Early Detection

Breast Awareness and Self-Examination (cont'd)...
 

There is evidence that specific position (lying down), area, pattern of coverage of the breast, and use of three different levels of pressure increase the sensitivity of BSE, as measured on silicone models, and for CBE using patient models with known small noncancerous lumps in their breasts.
 

The first step in properly examining one’s breasts is correctly identifying their structure, in order to compare the norm with any emerging changes.
One should remember that each woman’s breasts are different, both in shape and size and often the left and right breast differ slightly in size, and structure. Breasts also change during the course of your life and are affected by factors such as age, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

In young women, the breasts are generally firmer and more nodular. Additionally, most women experience breast tightening and tenderness prior to or during their period. For this reason, it is recommended that women who menstruate should examine their breasts two to three days after the last day of their monthly period.
Women who have gone through menopause, and no longer menstruate, should pick the same day each month (for example, on the first day of each month) and mark it on their calendar as the day to perform BSE.

The general principle is that women should begin regularly performing BSE when the breasts have finished fully developing, that is, around 20 years of age.

Beginning to examine the breasts at this young of an age has two benefits:
• It makes performing BSE habitual
• It helps create “a normal palpable image” allowing to compare it with any appearing pathology

Studies show that tumours discovered in women who perform regular BSE are on average half the size of tumours discovered accidentally.

Although BSE has advocates as well as opponents, carrying it out properly is the simplest manner of caring for your health.

Women who examine their breasts should have their technique reviewed during periodic health examinations by their health care professional.

Women in their forties and older should be aware that a monthly breast self-exam is not a substitute for regularly scheduled screening mammograms and clinical breast exams by a health professional.

It is acceptable for women to choose not to do BSE or to do BSE occasionally. For women who choose not to do BSE, they should still be aware of their breasts and report any changes without delay to their doctor.