Early Detection Guidelines
BREAST SELF EXAMINATION
Reminder:
The best time to give yourself a breast examination is about a week after your menstrual cycle — this is when your breasts are least sensitive to touch and pain. If you don’t menstruate, or are post-menopausal, conduct the breast examination on the same day every month.
Don’t panic if you feel several small lumps. Usually such lumps are normal and it’s important to be conscious of any changes.
Ask a qualified doctor, nurse, midwife, or health worker to teach you the proper technique for doing a breast self-examination (BSE).
Observe How They Look
01
Face a mirror, place your hands on your waist and slightly bend forward.
02
Move your shoulders back together with your elbows and feel your chest muscles tighten.
03
Look at your breasts and observe any changes in appearance. Take notice if any of your nipples go inward.
04
Gently press your nipples and check if any discharge or fluid comes out.
Check Your Underarms
✓
In either a sitting or standing position and with your arms slightly raised, check for any lumps or thickening in the underarm area.
✕
It is harder to palpate a lump if your arms are positioned straight above your head.
https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam
BREAST SELF EXAMINATION
Reminder:
Use 3 kinds of pressure when palpating or feeling through:
Light pressure
to feel tissues nearest the skin.
Medium pressure
is used to reach deeper tissue below.
Hard pressure
just enough to feel tissues nearest your bones.
Use all three types of pressure, one complete feel-through at a time. Ensure you keep fingers pressed onto your skin throughout, so you cover all areas.
Breast Self-Exam
01
Lie down with your back resting on a flat, comfortable surface. Raise your left arm and put a pillow or rolled towel below your left shoulder.
02
Use the 3 middle fingers of your right hand to feel for lumps, making sure they are pressed together. Use the convex of these 3 fingers together (not the fingertips) to feel for lumps.
03
Keep your fingers straight and press them together on your left breast.
04
Using vertical movements, begin from armpits and move fingers downward until below the breast. Move toward the middle and back up. Repeat through chest and entire breast.
05
Feel under and around the nipple.
06
Repeat on your right breast using your left hand.
It may be nothing to worry about but always consult your healthcare provider if you discover a lump.
https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/self_exam
Breast Self Examination
