Complete information about breast self-examination (be aware)

Breast self-examination (BSE) is the easiest way to detect abnormalities in breast size, texture and shape. This examination can also help early detection of breast cancer, thereby reducing the risk of its severity. Then, how is BSE done? Are there any other tests to detect breast cancer early?

Why do women need to do BSE?

BSE is an examination that is carried out using your own eyes and hands, to find out if there are any changes in the appearance of your breasts. This check can be done routinely at home without the need for any tools.

Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, most medical organizations do not actually recommend BSE as part of breast cancer screening. The reason is, this examination has not been proven to be effective in detecting cancer or increasing survival for women who have cancer.

However, experts believe, by checking your breasts regularly, you can identify your breasts. Thus, if you find unusual changes in your breasts, you can immediately see a doctor and get treatment as early as possible.

The reason is, the earlier the presence of cancer cells is known, the sooner doctors can treat breast cancer to prevent it from spreading. Life expectancy and chances of recovery will be even greater.

When to start doing BSE?

Check your own breasts needs to be started as early as possible when entering adulthood. Every woman who has passed puberty should be aware of changes in their breasts. Moreover, the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

The right time to do BSE is a few days or a week after menstruation. During this time, your breasts are still in normal condition.

Meanwhile, before and during menstruation, your breasts are prone to enlarge and tighten due to changes in hormone levels which are common in women.

How routine should BSE be done?

John Hopkins Medical Center States recommends doing BSE at least once a month. You also need to do this check on the same schedule every month.

The reason is, hormonal fluctuations due to the menstrual cycle in women can affect breast tissue. You may be able to find a lump in your breast at a certain time, but then it goes away on its own.

By choosing the same schedule every month, the condition of the breasts when examined will be the same, so that we can better identify which breast changes need to be suspected or not. Therefore, it is important to routine BSE once a month to prevent breast cancer from getting worse and spreading.

How to check your own breasts with BSE

How to check your own breasts with BSE techniques is very easy to do. There are three main ways to do BSE, namely:

BSE in the bathroom

When taking a shower, try to check your breasts by feeling the entire area from top to bottom. You can use the three main fingers, namely the index, middle and ring fingers.

To make it easier and less painful, do BSE by checking your breasts if they are smooth or are being soaped. Then, feel the breast in a circular motion starting from the outside near the armpit to the center of the nipple. Feel for lumps or changes in the texture of the breasts that haven't been there before.

In addition to the breast area, don't forget to check the underarm and upper collarbone area. The reason is, this area is also often overgrown with cancer cells.

BSE while looking in the mirror

Make sure you have removed all tops of clothing, then stand in front of the mirror with your hands at your sides. Now, you are ready to start breast self-examination.

Observe carefully and slowly the following points:

Changes in the shape, size, and position of the two breasts symmetrical or not.
There is an indentation.
Nipple problems, such as an ingrown nipple.
Breast wrinkles.
The presence of an abnormal lump in the breast.

Then, start feeling your breasts by raising one hand up on the part of the breast that you want to examine. Then the other hand is responsible for feeling the entire breast and assessing several important signs. Do this alternately on both breasts.

Examine the nipple in a circular motion, followed by tracing the top of the breast right near the collarbone, then in the sternum area, to the side near the armpit. Finally, gently squeeze the nipple to check for any abnormal discharge from the nipple.

BSE while lying down

When lying down, the breast tissue will spread evenly along the chest wall, making it easier for you to see any irregularities that may be present.

The first step you need to do is place a pillow under your right shoulder with your hands behind your head.

Using your left hand, move the three main fingers, namely the index, middle and ring fingers, to the breast area gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast and armpit area.

Use light, medium, and firm pressure when applying pressure to the breast area. Pinch the nipple slowly then check for any discharge or lumps. Repeat the same steps for the other breast.

You can also move your fingers up and down vertically as if you were sorting them. Usually this method is able to comb all the breast tissue from front to back.

Do not forget that apart from the breast area, also check the upper chest area, namely the collarbone and near the armpits.

What if you find lumps or abnormalities in the breasts after BSE?

Don't panic when you feel a lump in the breast or other symptoms of breast cancer after doing a breast self-examination. Remember that not all lumps and abnormalities in the breast are a sign of cancer.

Lumps in the breast may be non-cancerous, caused by imbalanced hormone levels, benign tumors, or injury.

Don't hesitate to call your doctor if you see or feel a lump. Especially if it turns out that the lump doesn't go away and gets bigger for more than one menstrual cycle.

Usually the doctor will ask your medical history and perform a physical examination of the breasts. Breast cancer tests, such as ultrasound, mammography, or others, may also be done to confirm the condition. Always consult with your doctor about the type of examination that is right for you.

Follow-up tests to detect breast cancer

BSE is very easy to do for early detection of breast cancer. However, breast examination alone is not enough to detect cancer or other problems in your breasts.

Therefore, experts recommend doing early detection of breast cancer by examining it in the hospital. There are several types of examinations that can be done, namely:

Clinical breast examination (SADANIS)

SADANIS is generally performed by doctors and medical teams to determine if there are changes in your breasts.

Mammography

Doing regular mammography can help find abnormalities in the breast, even if you don't feel any symptoms. Consult with your doctor about the right time for the examination for you.