Self breast examination

 Self breast examination is the easiest and fastest way to detect any breast lump . A breast lump , however small it may be , can be cancerous . If  detected early, long term morbidities and mortality can be avoided. Self breast examination ( SBE) is the best method to detect any mass at the earliest . SBE is normally done after the menses in the females of reproductive age group or on a fixed date of every month in post menopausal females . 

Steps of self breast examination -

1. Stand in front of a mirror with breasts exposed ( removing the bra and the top) and with the hands pressed on both the sides of the waist. Now look at the shape of the breasts and also the level of nipples in the mirror. Both breast should give the look of same size and shape. Also the nipples should be at the same level . Now raise the arms slowly over your head. Breast should rise up with the moving arms. Now bend forward to see that breasts fall out. Any restriction should be noted . Note: you are looking at your breasts in the mirror.

Any puckering or failure of free rising up of breasts with movement of arms or unequal level of nipples or restriction in the movement of breasts from chest wall while bending forward is an alarming sign. Contact your doctor immediately.

2. While taking shower put some soap on your breasts and examine both the breasts with the flat of the fingers, starting from outside towards the nipple in clockwise rotatory motion in each breast. Now examine the axilla on both the sides. Use right hand for examination of breast and axilla of left side and left hand for right side.

Any abnormal knot , however small , contact your doctor immediately .

3. Now check for any secretions from the nipples by pinching the nipples and then pressing on areola ( brownish skin around the nipples) . Any watery, milky or bloody secretions, contact your doctor immediately.

SBE should be done every month.

Once a year, get your breasts examined by your doctor.

Mammography or sonomammography can be opted once in 5 years after the age of 35years till 50-60 years depending on the age when you attain the menopause . 

Those who have family history of breast cancer , can start with the mammography early or on the advice of your doctor.

 pictures downloaded from Google