Breast Self-Examination (BSE) - Rebecca Bowie, RN

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Adult women beginning at the age of 20 should perform a monthly BSE.  Approximately 40% of breast cancers are detected by women who felt a lump.  You may think your breasts are so lumpy and wonder how this is going to help.  The key is to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can spot any worrisome changes and report them to your healthcare provider promptly.  In addition to your monthly BSE your healthcare provider should perform an annual “clinical” breast exam.

Most breast changes including lumps (8 out of 10) are not cancerous but it’s important to notify your healthcare professional promptly should you find any changes or lumps.  Breast changes can occur because of pregnancy, aging, menopause, during menstrual cycles or when taking birth control pills or other hormones.  It is normal for breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven.  Also, it is common for breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during a menstrual period.

If you have menstrual periods, the best time to self-examine is a few days after your period ends.  Postmenopausal women should do so the first day of every month as it’s easy to remember.    To decrease the surface tension you may use soapy water in the shower and lotion when lying down.

In front of a mirror

• With your arms at your sides, look carefully for changes in the size, shape, and contour of each breast.  Look for puckering, dimpling, or any changes in skin texture.  Gently squeeze both nipples, checking for any discharge. 
• Clasp your hands behind your head and press them forward until you feel your chest muscles tighten.  Look for any change in the shape or contour of your breasts.
• With hands on hips, bow slightly toward the mirror and pull elbows and shoulders forward to tighten your chest muscles.  Again, look for change in the shape or contour.

In the shower

• Raise one arm.  With the opposite hand, place the flat part of your fingers on your breast’s outer edge.  Firmly glide your hand in small circles, spiraling toward the nipple as you touch every part of the breast to feel for lumps, thickenings, or changes.
• Be sure to examine the area between the breast and the underarm and the underarm itself.  Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin.
• Check both breasts using the right hand to examine your left breast and the left hand to examine the right breast. 

Lying down

• Place a towel or pillow under your right shoulder and raise your right arm, positioning your hand behind your head.  Examine your right breast with your left hand fingers flat, use the same circular motion described earlier.  Examine every part of the breast for lumps, thickenings, or changes.
• Be sure to examine the area between the breast and the underarm and the underarm itself.  Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin. 
• Repeat with the left breast.

If any changes are found, or if you have any concerns or questions, contact your doctor promptly.  Free “Do It Yourself” BSE shower cards are available from the Tri-Cities Cancer Center. Stop by our Resource Center to pick up your free BSE shower card. We are located at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick.

Rebecca Bowie, RN
Tri-Cities Cancer Center