SELF BREAST EXAMINATION
While walking the street of Garden city, there was this
inscription on a sign post: Early detection can reduce the risk of breast
cancer. While this is the absolute truth, many fail to recognize/ notice the
growth of cancer until it has reach its terminal stage due to lack of adequate
information on self breast examination(SBE). Many
experts believe that the harms of breast self-examination outweigh the
benefits. Others
consider BSE an option for women.
A breast self-examination involves checking your breasts for lumps or
changes while standing and lying in different positions and while looking at
your breasts in a mirror to note any changes in their appearance. Once you know
what your breasts normally look and feels like, any new lump or change in
appearance should be evaluated by a doctor. Most breast problems or changes are not because of cancer.
It is important that breast cancer be detected early,
properly diagnosed and treated promptly. An essential step in cancer management
is early detection through SBE.
According to the American cancer society, SBE is an option
for women starting in their 20s. The frequency of self breast exam is based on
the woman’s age, presence of significant risk factor and past medical history.
Education of women on how to perform self breast exam (SBE)
is essential in the reduction of mortality rate from cancerous cells. Many
women have failed to examine their breast regularly. Reasons for this failure
among others include embarrassments, inadequate knowledge on the procedure and
fear of detecting a lump etc.
It is important to note that early detection enhances
survival. Increased knowledge on what to look for, how to perform a SBE and
what to do if a problem is detected should be emphasized.
RISK FACTOR
Women accounts for over 99% of breast cancer cases and
majority of this cancer is found in postmenopausal women. It may be common with
women having history of early menarche (<12 years) or late menopause (>55
years), exposure to ionizing radiation and obesity after menopause because of
fat cells which stores estrogen.
TIPS
This should be done be done monthly at a regular time when
the breast is not tender
In post menopausal women, 7 days after the start of
menstruation, this is because hormonal stimulation is at its lowest point at
that time.
For women on contraceptives, the first day of a new pack may
be a good a reminder or a birthday
It should be done with a good light source and should include
inspection and palpation of the breast.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Inspect for the following: Lump, pain or tenderness, dimpling
of the skin, edema, nipple discharge, nipple retraction and redness.
Why It Is Done
A breast self-examination is done
to detect breast problems, such as a lump or change in appearance, that may
indicate breast cancer or other breast conditions that may require medical
attention (such as mastitis
or a fibroadenoma).
HOW TO DO IT
Patients’ instruction
IN THE SHOWER= the skin is slipper with soap and
water
Ø Use the pad of the 2nd,3rd
and 4th fingers to firmly press every part of the breast.
Ø While examining the right breast use
the left hand and vice visa
Ø Using the pads of the fingers examine
the breast in a circular motion in an up-and –down motion.
Ø Check for lump, hard knot or
thickening of the tissues
IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR
Ø Stand with arms at the sides
Ø Raise your hand over your head, and
check for changes in the breast- dimpling of the skin, changes in the
nipple(nipple retraction, milk and fluid)
Ø Place your hand firmly on your waist/
hips, lifting the pectoralis muscles so to say. Look for changes in the contour
and size of the breast.
Ø Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the
whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles
until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up
and down vertically, in rows, as if you were mowing a lawn. This up-and-down
approach seems to work best for most women. Be sure to feel all the tissue from
the front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath,
use light pressure; use medium pressure for tissue in the middle of your
breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the back. When you've reached
the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
WHILE LYING DOWN
Ø Follow the steps from 1
Ø Use the right hand to examine the
left breast and the left hand to examine the right breast. Use a calendar to
ensure it is done regularly
Ø Report any abnormal findings to the
hospital and discuss with your physician
WHAT TO DO IF ANY PROBLEM IS DETECTED
If any problem is detected during self breast
examination, the woman must visit her health care provider for a comprehensive,
physical examination and if necessary medical / diagnostic findings
NOTE: Even when a woman religiously
practices SBE, it is essential that she visits the hospital for a thorough
checkup by a doctor annually (MRI, mammography, breast ultrasound). If you choose to do breast
self-examinations, this should not replace regular clinical breast examinations
(CBE) by a doctor and mammograms. Breast implants do not decrease a
woman's risk for breast cancer, so women with breast implants need to talk with
their doctors about performing breast self-examinations.
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should NOT be used as a substitute
for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other
health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and
informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering
medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.
©2012.
