Breast Self-Examination: A Must for Every Woman

A breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple technique that women can use to become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts. It is an essential part of breast health awareness and can help in the early detection of any changes that might indicate a potential issue, such as breast cancer.

This guide will provide an overview of breast self-examination, its importance, and how to perform one correctly.

What Is Breast Self-Examination?

BSE is a physical examination of your breasts to check for skin changes or lumps. It is an essential part of breast cancer screening. 

BSE should be performed once a month, preferably 3 to 5 days after your period ends at the same time each month. For post-menopausal women, it is advisable to conduct a breast self-exam on a consistent day each month, whether it be the 1st or 15th day of the month.

What Is the Purpose of Breast Self-Examination?

The importance of breast self-examination cannot be overstated. It is an effective way to detect breast cancer early, which is crucial for timely treatment and better outcomes. 

BSE is easy to perform and takes only a couple of minutes. In addition, regular BSE can help you become familiar with the usual look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect any changes. 

It is important to note that breast self-exams complement but do not replace regular mammograms or clinical breast exams. Mammograms remain a vital component of breast health screening. 

Inform your doctor promptly if you notice any in your breasts, such as a new lump, nipple discharge, tenderness, or changes in the skin appearance.

What to Look for During Breast Self-Examination?

Here are a few changes to look for when performing a BSE:

• Change in the shape or size of your breasts.
• The position of the nipple looks different (for example, your nipple looks like it is being pulled in or is pointing in another direction).
• Eczema-like rashes, itchiness, redness, or scaly skin on or around the nipple.
• Pain or discomfort in one breast that does not go away.
• Change in texture or appearance of the skin on your breasts.
• A sudden appearance of a lump, bumps, swelling, and thickening in one of the breasts.
• Discharge from the nipples.

How to Do Breast Self-Examination?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a breast self-examination correctly. There are three main steps involved.

1. Visual examination of your breasts.

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides (shirtless). Then, perform the following steps:

• Look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms down by your sides and observe their size, shape, colour, and symmetry. (Note that usually, a pair of breasts are not identical, so understand what is normal for yours).
• Raise your arms above your head. 
• Look for swelling, dimpling, or changes in the outline of the skin.
• Examine nipples for changes in position, shape, or any discharge.
• Examine your breasts two ways - with your arms raised and palms together and your hands pressed against your hips.

2. Inspect with your hands while standing up.

Second, examine your breasts physically following these steps:

• Use your right hand when examining your left breast and vice versa (left hand, right breast). Examine one breast at a time.
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers and press down all over your breast with light, medium and firm pressure.
• You may do it in a circular or triangular pattern.
• Start at the outer edge, moving toward the nipple, covering the entire breast.
• Feel for any thick spots, lumps, or other unusual changes.
• Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any unusual discharge.
• Feel for any lumps in your armpit. 
• Repeat these steps for the other breast too.

3. Inspect with your hands while lying down.

You can also lie down and inspect your breasts. This would be convenient for larger breasts as the tissues spread out, making examining easier.

Follow these guidelines when examining lying down:

• Place a pillow under the right shoulder when lying down.
• Place your right arm behind the head.
• Press down all over your right breast using the pads of your fingers (left hand).
• Feel for any changes such as lumps, bumps, or swelling.
• Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any unusual discharge.
• Feel for any lumps in your armpit.
• Change the pillow to the left side and repeat the steps.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Performing Breast Self-Examination?

Breast self-examination is a crucial practice that all women should adopt to maintain optimal well-being. 

So, here are some key points to take note:

• Patiently conduct the examination: BSE should be done calmly and relaxed, taking enough time to examine each breast thoroughly. As it only needs to be done once a month and takes just a few minutes, it is essential to do it slowly and carefully. 

• Avoid using fingertips: The pads of your fingers are more sensitive; therefore, they can be more accurate in feeling for any unusual changes like lumps. The back of your fingers and palm can also be used if the finger pads are not sensitive enough.

• Use varying pressure levels: Applying different pressures to feel all the tissues in your breast is crucial.
• Light pressure: To feel the tissues on the surface of the breast.
• Medium pressure: To feel tissues under the surface.
• Firm pressure: To feel deeper tissues close to the chest and ribcage. 

Clarify with your doctor if you need clarification on the difference between pressures.

What to Do if You Find Something During Breast Self-Examination?

If you notice any changes during BSE, such as a lump, thickening, or discharge from the nipples, you must consult a doctor immediately. While not all lumps are cancerous or a cause for concern, having any abnormalities evaluated professionally is vital.

The doctor may perform a clinical breast exam, mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy to determine the cause of the abnormality. Your lifestyle habits (smoking, drinking, diet, exercise), current medications, and family history of cancer will also be considered during the assessment. 

If you have a family history of breast cancer, you should schedule regular breast exams and mammograms with your doctor. 

Make an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Breast self-examination is an important step that women should include in their monthly routine to check for any breast abnormalities.

Remember that early detection and prompt breast cancer treatment are critical to successful outcomes. It is, therefore, vital to take a proactive approach to your breast health and perform BSE regularly in addition to other screening methods recommended by your doctor.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment with our team of gynaecologists today, or find out more about our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Services at your nearest Pantai Hospital.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.