Breast self-examination (BSE) is done by feeling and looking at your own breasts to see if there are anyhis physical changes in the breast This process is carried out so that all changes that lead to more serious conditions can be detected early.
Breasts will generally feel different during menstruation. Before and during this period, most women feel their breasts are getting tighter and denser. Entering menopause, the breasts will also experience changes, namely becoming more slack and soft.
Changes in the shape and density of the breast at certain times are normal. However, it is important to be aware of any changes that occur because they can be a sign of certain diseases, such as tumors or breast cancer.
Therefore, women need to do breast self-examination (BSE) every 1 month, to find out whether there are changes in breast shape from time to time.
How to Check Breasts?
The best time to do BSE is a week after your menstrual period ends. Doing an examination during menstruation is not recommended because hormone levels are fluctuating, causing changes in the body, including breasts that become firmer.
BSE examination can be done in several ways, namely:
In front of the mirror
You can do BSE in front of the mirror. You simply stand in front of the mirror, then undress from the waist up. Make sure there is enough lighting in the room, then do the following:
- Watch your breasts. Most women have breasts that are unequal in size (the right breast is larger or smaller than the left).
- Stand with your arms extended straight down. Pay attention to the shape, size, surface and color of the skin, as well as the shape of the nipple. See if there is a change or not
- Place your hands on your waist and press firmly to tighten your chest muscles. Pay attention to the breasts while looking in the mirror from left to right and vice versa.
- Bend over in front of the mirror, so that the breasts stick out. Look and feel to check if there are certain changes in the breast.
- Link your hands behind your head and press inward. Pay attention to both your breasts, including the bottom.
- Check for any discharge from your nipples. Place your thumb and forefinger around the nipple, then press gently and watch for any discharge. Repeat on the other breast.
bath time
You can also do BSE while showering, which can be started by raising one hand behind your head. Then, use the other hand that has been smeared with soap to feel the breast on the side of the raised hand. Use your fingers to gently press the pieces together.
Do the same on the other breast. BSE examination while in the shower is quite effective because the soap foam will facilitate hand movement to check for lumps or changes in the breast and armpit area.
Lie down
BSE examination can also be done lying down. It's easy, just lie down on the bed or other comfortable flat surface, then place a rolled towel or small pillow under your shoulders.
Then, place your right hand under your head. Cover your left hand with lotion and use your fingers to feel your right breast.
Feel the breast in a clockwise direction in a circular motion. Once you've reached a circle, slide your finger and start again until you've covered the entire breast, including the nipple.
There is no need to rush when conducting an inspection. Make sure all the surface of the breast has been palpated carefully. BSE examination by lying down makes the breasts widen making it easier to examine.
During and after performing a BSE examination you should remain calm if you notice any changes in your breasts. Although it is necessary to remain vigilant, most physical changes do not lead to breast cancer.
Here's What To Do If There are changes on Breast
If you find a lump or change in the breast, do not panic because this can be caused by many things. Most cases do not lead to serious illness. Of the 10 cases, only 1 case of lumps that are cancerous.
However, you should still check with your doctor for any changes. The reason is, if it is caused by cancer, you must immediately get the right treatment.
Some signs that you need to immediately see a doctor after doing BSE are:
- A hard lump in the breast or armpit
- Visible changes in the surface of the skin of the breast, such as the skin becomes wrinkled or there is a depression
- Visible changes in the size and shape of the breasts, especially when you lift your breasts or move your arms
- Discharge from the nipple, but not breast milk
- Bleeding from the nipple
- There are parts of the nipples that turn red and become moist, and don't turn back into their original shape
- Nipples change shape, for example to go inwards
- There is a rash around the nipples
- There is ongoing pain or discomfort in the breast
A clinical breast examination may also be necessary to determine whether a lump and the cause of changes in the breast are early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Examinations that can be done by a doctor include a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as mammograms, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. If the results of the examination there is a suspicion of cancer, the doctor may suggest a biopsy.
Breast self-examination or BSE should be done since the age of 20 years and more frequent examinations are needed if you are over 50 years old or if there is a family history of breast cancer.
Examination to detect potential cancer also needs to be done regularly so that abnormalities in the breast can be detected early.