Patient Education: The Importance of Monthly Breast Self-Examinations (BSE)
Tiffany C. Mitchell, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC
Breast health is essential for everyone, and early detection of breast abnormalities can significantly improve outcomes in cases of breast cancer. Performing monthly breast self-examinations (BSE) empowers you to take an active role in monitoring your breast health, allowing you to detect any changes early. This article will explain the rationale behind performing BSE and offer guidance on how to conduct the exam properly.
Why Monthly Breast Self-Examinations?
1. Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. Early detection is key to successful treatment. While mammograms and clinical breast exams are essential screening tools, BSE can be a proactive way for individuals to notice changes between medical appointments. Studies show that women who regularly perform BSE are more likely to detect lumps or changes in their breasts early, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
2. Awareness of Normal Breast Tissue
Monthly BSEs help you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. Because breast tissue can vary depending on your menstrual cycle, age, or body weight, regular self-examinations allow you to understand what is typical for you. This awareness makes it easier to notice any unusual changes that could signal a problem.
3. Complementary to Medical Screening
BSE is not a substitute for mammograms or clinical breast exams performed by healthcare professionals. Instead, it complements these methods by allowing you to monitor your breast health on a monthly basis. Detecting changes between routine checkups can lead to earlier intervention.
When Should You Perform a Breast Self-Examination?
The best time to perform a BSE is several days to a week after your period ends. During this time, your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender, making it easier to detect any changes. If you no longer menstruate, choose a specific day of the month to perform the exam, and stick to it each month for consistency.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination
Follow these five simple steps for a thorough BSE:
1. Visual Inspection
- Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips.
- Look for any visible changes in the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
- Check for dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, and ensure that your nipples have not changed position or become inverted.
- Look for redness, swelling, or any other visual abnormalities.
2. Raise Your Arms
- Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes you observed with your arms at your sides.
- Pay attention to both breasts and ensure they move freely and symmetrically as you lift your arms.
3. Check for Fluid
- While still standing in front of the mirror, check for any discharge from the nipples. This fluid could be watery, milky, yellow, or even bloody. If you notice any discharge, consult your healthcare provider.
4. Feel for Lumps While Lying Down
- Lie down on your back, as this allows the breast tissue to spread out evenly along your chest wall.
- Using your right hand, feel your left breast and vice versa. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping them flat and together.
- Cover the entire breast in a circular motion, starting from the outer part of your breast and moving toward the nipple. You can also use a vertical pattern, moving your fingers up and down.
- Be sure to feel the entire breast area, from the collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage.
5. Feel for Lumps While Standing or Sitting
- Many women find it easier to feel their breasts when their skin is wet, so consider performing this step in the shower.
- Using the same hand movements, check both breasts for lumps, thickening, or other abnormalities.
What Should You Do If You Find a Lump or Change?
It’s important to remember that most breast lumps are not cancerous. Many women have lumps or other breast changes that turn out to be benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, any new change, such as a lump, skin thickening, or nipple discharge, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. The earlier a potential problem is detected, the easier it can be to treat.
Benefits of Regular BSE
- Familiarity: Knowing your body helps you identify any unusual changes sooner.
- Confidence: BSE allows you to take control of your breast health and complement routine medical screenings.
- Convenience: BSE can be performed at home, takes only a few minutes, and is non-invasive.
Limitations of BSE
While BSE is a helpful tool for breast health awareness, it should not be relied upon as the only method of breast cancer detection. Routine mammograms and clinical breast exams are more reliable for detecting early breast cancer, especially for women over 40 or those with risk factors.
Final Thoughts
Performing a monthly breast self-examination is a simple, non-invasive way to monitor your breast health and potentially detect early signs of breast cancer. Along with regular mammograms and clinical exams, BSE can empower you to take charge of your health. If you detect any changes, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation.
References
1. American Cancer Society. (2023). "Breast Cancer Early Detection." Retrieved from [cancer.org](https://www.cancer.org).
2. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2023). "Breast Self-Exam." Retrieved from [nationalbreastcancer.org](https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org).
3. Mayo Clinic. (2023). "Breast Cancer Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk." Retrieved from [mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org).
4. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022). "Breast Cancer: Screening." Retrieved from [uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org](https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org).
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board