Staying healthy begins when you take the time each month for a
self examination of your breasts. Let us help you remember to do so by signing up for a personal Breast Self-Exam
(BSE) Reminder. Each month, we'll send you an email with instructions on how to do a breast self-exam. By following the sign-up instructions below, you can personalize your BSE Reminder. Take a look: Determine which day is best for you based on the following: *Examine your breasts
when they are the least tender, seven days after the start of your menstrual
cycle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have breast implant(s) or have
entered menopause, you still need to examine your breasts once a month.
Breastfeeding mothers should examine their breasts when all milk has been
expressed. If you have had a mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction, you also need to examine your mastectomy scar and reconstructed breast(s) once a month. Seek medical attention if a lump is discovered or if any changes
are detected.
Continue reading for instructions on how to examine your breasts.
Breast Self-Exam
(BSE)
1. VISUAL
POSITIONS: Standing
While standing in positions A, B,
C and D, visually observe your breasts for changes in contour, shape,
color and texture of the skin. Check nipple area for any discharge.
Use your left hand
to examine the right breast and your right hand for your left breast. Most
breast cancers occur in the upper outer area of the breast (between the
underarm and nipple).
2. PALPATION
POSITIONS: Flat and Side-lying
Use the side-lying position to
most effectively examine the outer half of the breast. A woman with small
breasts may only need to use the flat position.
Side-lying Position
(E): Lie on the side opposite the breast you are examining. Without
moving your hips, rotate your shoulder back to a flat surface. This
position is best for examining the outer half of the breast.
Flat
Position (F): Lie down with a pillow or folded towel under the
shoulder of the breast you are examining. Raise the arm of the side to
be examined as shown, resting it on the flat surface. With your opposite
hand, examine your breast.
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The area to be examined
includes the collarbone to the bra line and the breastbone to the
underarm. Visually divide this area into vertical strips to completely
cover all breast tissue. Use this as a pattern to carefully examine each
section of the breast area. Using the pads of your three middle fingers
held flat, examine your breast tissue by moving your fingers in small
circular motions. Do not lift your fingers from your breast, but slide
your fingers from one spot to the next.
Starting with the
underarm, proceed downward towards the bra line, then continue upward to
the collarbone. Repeat the small circular motions applying varying
degrees of pressure. Use light pressure to feel for changes below the
skin surface and deeper pressure to feel for changes in breast
tissue. While your arm is relaxed and at your side, examine the breast
tissue that extends into your underarm.
Nipple
discharge, when the nipple is squeezed, is often a normal occurrence for
most women. However, if there is a discharge that occurs spontaneously,
particularly if it is from only one breast, your physician should
examine you.
Remember, a self-exam is NOT a substitute
for periodic examinations or mammograms by a qualified health care
professional.
(Adapted from information received
by Arlen Medical Education Products.)
Remember, a self-exam is
NOT a substitute for periodic examinations or mammograms
by a qualified health care professional.
Last Updated:
07/14/2003
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