It is sad that many cases of breast malignancy still present
very late to the hospital despite the conspicuous location of the breast
The breast self-examination (BSE) is an easy way to detect
breast lumps (& other abnormalities) early. This is how to do a self-breast
exam:
1. Stand before a mirror. Inspect both breasts for anything unusual, like any discharge from nipples, puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the skin.
The next two steps shows any change in the shape or contour of
your breasts. As you do them, you should be able to feel your chest muscle
tighten.
2. Clasp your hands behind your head and press hands
forward. While watching closely in the mirror for any shape or contour
abnormality.
3. Press hands firmly on hips and bow slightly towards your
mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward.
OPTIONAL: You may do the next part in the shower as soapy skin make it easy for gliding fingers to appreciate the underlying texture better.
4. Raise your
left arm. Use 3 or 4 fingers of your right hand to explore your left breast
firmly, carefully and thoroughly.
Beginning at the
outer edge, press the flat part of your fingers in small circles slowly around
the breast. Gradually work toward the nipple.
Be sure to cover
the entire breast. Pay special attention to the area between the breast and the
armpit, including the armpit itself.
Feel for any
unusual lump or mass. You can repeat step 4 more than once on each breast to be
double sure.
5. Then, gently
squeeze the nipple and look for a discharge.
6. Repeat steps 4
and 5 the exam on your right breast.
7. Repeat steps 4
and 5 lying down. Lie flat on your back, left arm over your head and a pillow
(or folded towel) under your left shoulder.
This position
flattens the breast and makes it easier to examine. Use the same circular
motion described in (4) above.
Repeat step 7 on
the right breast.
And that's it!
With constant practice, the whole examination should take less than 5 minutes.
These few minutes could turn out priceless.
