Give Yourself a Breast Exam
Breast self exam (BSE) is a method that involves inspecting and palpating your breasts to check for any existing lumps, thickness, tenderness, pain, and discoloration. Performing your own breast exam may be quite uncomfortable during the first few tries. When you are used to doing it, such method will help you determine the normal state of your breasts. A breast self exam will also make it easier for you to detect any changes that can possibly be an indication of problems. This method is recommended for women ages 20 and older. It is best to do it on a regular basis--the same day of each month, specifically a week after your menstruation.
Instructions
1. Start your breast exam by standing or sitting in front of the mirror. Keep your back straight, shoulders in neutral position and both your arms down at the sides of your body. Now examine your breasts closely. When both your breasts have their usual shape, size, contour and color, that means they are perfectly fine and healthy. If you notice that your breasts look a little bit different than normal, apply the rest of the steps below to observe and confirm such changes.
2. Remain standing or sitting in front of the mirror to continue your breast exam. With your arms from the sides of your body, flex them to bring your hands on your hips. Then examine your breasts very closely once again. Search for any unusual changes, such as dimples or bumps around the skin, redness, rashes, swelling, and whether any of your nipples appear inverted (pushed inward instead of normally pointing out). As a variation of this step, you can also bend slightly forward to examine your breasts at a different angle.
3. Proceed with the next step by elevating both your arms overhead. Clasp your hands together and bring them a little bit backward to push your chest outward. Examine the surfaces of your breasts from the front. Look on the sides and near the armpits. Check for the same odd changes on the size and shape of your breasts. Look for any changes in the color and texture of the surrounding skin.
4. Unclasp your hands. Keep your left arm elevated. Bring your right arm down. Gently squeeze you left nipple to check for any discharge. Bring your left arm down. Elevate your right arm and do the same procedure on your right side.
5. Lie supine (on your back) on a firm bed and place a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder. Flex your left arm and position your left hand behind your head. Using the pads of the index, middle and ring finger of your right hand, begin your palpation with a soft touch. Do a gentle circular press, starting from the area near your nipple moving out. Feel until you reach the whole contour of your left breast. Keep the pads of your fingers flat and gradually increase your pressure--enough to feel your inner tissue and ribcage. After covering your entire left breast, transfer the pillow on your right shoulder. Flex your right arm behind your head. Do the same procedure on your right breast.
6. Feel the surfaces of your breast while taking a shower. Standing or carefully sitting on your tub, you may prefer to do your breast exam while your skin is wet and slithery. Fold your left arm and place your left hand behind your head. Using the middle 3 fingers of your right hand, start examining your left breast. Then do the same procedure on your right breast.
7. Stand up face the wall, elevate your left arm and rest it on the wall. Be careful not to stretch your arm too much to prevent the skin from tightening, making it difficult for you to feel the surface. Now using the three middle fingers of your right hand (index, middle and ring finger), examine the surfaces of your left armpit. Palpate for any lumps, bumps, thickening and areas with pain. Perform the same procedure on your right armpit.
Tags: your left, your right, your breasts, your breast, procedure your, procedure your right, same procedure
