BSE ( Breast Self Examination )

Practice monthly breast self exams. Again, it’s all about early detection. Breast cancer has a highly successful treatment rate if it’s detected early. That’s why it’s important to get your technique right. In this case, your health is literally in your own hands.

A breast self exam is actually a simple three-step process. The key is doing it every month on the same day. Ideally, it should be seven to 10 days after the first day of your period. Here are the steps:

a) Hand Check (Standing) Lather your hands with soap or cream when you’re in the shower. Using the middle three fingers of your opposite hand, press gently in small, overlapping circles. Start at 12 o’clock (i.e. the top of your breast, close to your collarbone). Try to visualize the entire breast area as a “clock”. As you make these overlapping circles, move slowly towards the centre of your breast. Repeat this pattern for each “hour” position. Try to examine every part of the breast using this clockwise motion. Repeat the same movement on your other breast.
b) Hand Check (Lying Down) Lying down on a flat surface, place one arm behind your head. Using your opposite hand, check your breasts again using a circular, clockwise pattern.
c) Mirror Check With your arms by your sides, look for any noticeable changes in size, shape or contour.

d) You’re finished – until next month.

During your BSE, visit your doctor if you notice any of the following changes:

• New lumps or thickenings, new dimples, creases or folds
• Anything that distorts the curve of the breast, such as changes in size or shape, including the nipple area
• Things you can see or feel in one breast but not in the other
• Red or hot areas
• Areas that have an “orange peel” texture
• Fluid leaking from the nipples