How to Do Breast Self Examination

Have you ever do breast self examination??Learn it here!!

Firstly,when to do

The ideal time to self-inspect and examine your own breasts definitely when you are not wearing any clothes.I mean the upper  part.You don’t have to undress the lower body just to this!!This is also the time when you usually have time to  look closely on your body parts.So,I can say that the most ideal time is when you are in the shower.You can do it before,after or while taking a bath.However,you can do it anytime you like and when you are free -)

Based on some information I read,you can do  it at least once a month,just after your menstrual period has ended.This is because at this time,your breast are not tender.If you are already menopause,you can perform it on the same day each month.

Who should do it

Any women,who have already get  their  first menstrual period should start check on their own breasts. Because once you start your period,they are various endocrine hormones become active and influenced your breast development,thus cause some changes in your breast during your 28-day menstrual cycle .

Breast examination become very significant in elderly woman,especially over 45 years old,since the risk of breast cancer is high once you get older.

However,some benign breast lesions can also happen  in a teenager.

So,always take care of your breasts from now itself.

How to do it??

1)Inspection

-You need a mirror  for this to see your own reflections.

-What you need to check:

  >Compare the size of both breasts.

  >Any lump you can see on the breast, any changes on the skin  like dimpling of the skin,colour change,etc.

  >Is the nipple look normal?I mean it is pointing outward?If it is retracted (going inside),you should  check  with your doctor.

Inspect your breast in these 4 steps:

>With arm by your sides

>With arms above your head

>With hands put firmly against your hip

>Bent forward

2)Palpation

-Here,i will teach you how to palpate the breast quadrant-wise.

-With nipple at the centre,divide each breast into 4 quadrants.So you have upper outer,upper inner,lower outer and lower inner.

-Gently palpate your breasts in a circular motion,for each quadrant.Note if there is something you feel between your rib cage and your skin.

-Don’t try to pinch your breasts between your fingers,because you may get something which you think is abnormal(eg a lump)inside your breast.But in reality it may be just a breast tissue(glandular tissue).

-Then,palpate with circular motion on the centre.

-You must also palpate  part of your breasts near the your armpit(axilla) since some of your breast tissue extend into the armpit.This is axillary tail of breast(Axillary tail of Spence),as you can see in the picture.Don't be surprise that breast has its tails too!!

-After that,pinch your areola gently to see any  discharge comes out from it.

Palpate your breasts in these positions:

>Standing and lying down;with one arm overhead<

-When lifting up your right arm,palpate the right breast using  the left hand.

-When lifting up your left arms,palpate left breast using the right hand.

You may not do breast examination in all postions all the time.At least do some breast examination by yourself,in any position you feel comfortable.

This will pick up early any breast lesions like cancer,etc.

If anything unusual you found on breast examination,don't hesitate to see your doctor.