A breast self exam (BSE) is a preventative tool used for early detection of breast cancer. All women can perform breast self exams, and they are encouraged to do so, as early detection makes breast cancer much easier to treat. Starting in their mid-twenties, women should perform breast exams once a month, and they should also visit a doctor for an annual exam. Doctors recommend that older women also have regular mammograms to search for abnormal tissue.
There are two goals to breast self exams. The first is to establish familiarity with the breast, so that changes in the tissue are readily identifiable. The second is to look for changes and monitor them. If women notice changes in their breasts, they should bring these changes to the attention of a doctor for further diagnostics. Many of the lumps which appear in breasts are benign, but it is important to eliminate any chance of breast cancer as early as possible.
During breast self exams, women look for lumps, skin dimpling, changes to the nipple, and changes to the texture and color of the breast. Typically, women perform breast self exams around a week after their periods have ceased, to ensure that the breasts are not swollen and tender. Women who are no longer menstruating may set a particular date each month for their breast self exams.
In the first step of a breast self exam, a women should remove all of the garments from her upper body and stand in front of a mirror so that she can look clearly at her breasts. Changes in the shape and size of the breasts should be noted, along with alterations to symmetry, texture, or color. The woman moves through a series of positions, looking at the shape of her breasts with her arms by her sides, arms raised in the air, and hands on her hips.
After the first section is complete, women should lie down on a flat surface. Previous guides to breast self exams suggested that women perform this step in the shower, but study has suggested that a prone position is better, since it spreads the breast tissue more evenly. One arm is raised over the head and the opposite arm is crossed over the torso. Using the pads of the three middle fingers of this arm, the woman makes small overlapping circles from the collarbone to the bottom of the breast, and all the way up into the armpit.
These small circles will reveal abnormalities in the tissue such as lumps. All breasts do have some lumps and protrusions, so it helps to become familiar with one's own lumps. It is also important to use varying pressure, examining the surface, middle, and deep layers of the breast. If an unusual lump is identified, a doctor can provide counseling on the next step.