Breast  Self Examination

Breast Cancer is the topmost cancer of female across the globe. Till now we know few factors which increase the risk of developing this cancer but what causes exactly lead to breast cancer we yet to understand fully. However the optimistic part of breast cancer is that there are ways to detect very early and with treatment cure is possible completely. When someone is aware about breast cancer and adopt the simple systematic methodology it can be detected in beginning stage of cancer.

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Best story of this cancer that it has excellent treatment for cure to live a normal healthy life. Unfortunately it gets detected very late stage due lack of awareness in country like India and our state Assam. One woman out of two dies within 5 years of diagnosis. There are effective methods to detect it early even without any symptoms

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These are  called  screening test

1. Regular Mammography testing after 35 or 40 years in a yearly basis. [Fig 1]

2. Clinical Breast examination [CBE]

3. Self Breast Examination.[SBE]

 

In developed country, women regularly screen breast cancer by Mammography, It is a type of Radiological procedure which is capable of detecting a tiny lump in breast which is not possible to feel otherwise. However is technically not easy to use in community setting in country like India.

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Another best and suitable screening method in India is CBE. When a trained Health care professional examine for purpose of detection early, it is called Clinical breast examination (CBE). If the same procedure is carried by the person herself is called Self Breast Examination (SBE).

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Self  Breast  Examination:

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a vital step in maintaining breast health. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

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Why is BSE important?

• Helps detect breast cancer early, when it’s more treatable.

• Increases breast awareness, allowing you to notice changes.

• Complements clinical breast exams and mammograms.

 

What to look for:

• New lumps or thickening.

• Changes in breast size or shape.

• Dimpling, puckering, or redness.

• Nipple discharge or bleeding.

• Changes in nipple position.

 

When to perform a BSE:

• Ideally, 7-10 days after your period, when breasts are less tender.

• If you’re no longer menstruating, choose a specific date each month.

• If you notice any unusual changes, consult your healthcare provider.

 

During the CBE or SBE, any abnormality detected or suspected , Mammography should be done , followed by biopsy

 

How to perform a BSE:

1. Familiarize yourself with your breasts: Understand your breasts’ normal look and feel.

2. Choose a comfortable position: Lie down or stand in front of a mirror.

3. Inspect your breasts visually: Look for changes in size, shape, or color.

4. Feel your breasts: Use your fingertips to palpate your breasts in a circular motion, covering the entire breast and armpit area.

5. Check for lumps or thickening: Pay attention to any unusual lumps, thickening, or changes.

6. Squeeze your nipple: Check for any discharge or bleeding.

 

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer -

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Things you should do : DOS

1. Remember, there is best treatment available for you.

2. Follow the doctors advice for further investigations.

3. Come for treatment regularly, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Surgery .

4. Your treatment may not be exactly same with other woman based on type of cancer or age or stage.

5. Even after completion of treatment, screening should continue for  opposite breast.

 

Things   you should not do: DONTs   (X)

1. Don’t loose hope, don’t hide from family and friends about your diagnosis.

2. It is not a curse, not a punishment, just an illness like any other.

3. Don’t prioritise any other issue than your regular treatment.

4. Stay away from quakes, never listen to any other person than your doctor.

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​Self Breast Examination in Assamese by Dr Gayatri Gogoi (Click to watch the Video)

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