Being familiar with what is normal for you will make it easier to recognize any new developments.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Breast Anatomy
There are three main sections of a breast.
They are known as lobules, ducts, and connective tissue.
The lobules are glands that secrete breast milk.
The ducts are vessels or tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple.
The connective tissue surrounds the ducts and lobules and holds them in place.
Breast cancers often start in the ducts or lobules and spread to other tissues.
Breast Self-Exams: Do They Work?
Make It Routine
A breast self-exam should only take you 15 minutes once every month.
At this time, hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.
Place Your Hands on Your Hip
Strip to the waist and stand before a mirror.
You will need to see both breasts at the same time.
Stand with your hands on your hips and check the overall appearance of your breasts.
Look at the size, shape, and contour.
Put Your Arms Over Your Head
Now, raise your arms over your head.
See if each breast moves to the same degree and in the same way and note any differences.
Look at the size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry.
Check Your Nipples
Still facing the mirror, lower both arms.
Check thenipplesto see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation).
Sometimes, people of any sex can experiencenipple discharge.
Discharge with manipulation or squeezing of the nipple is less concerning.
Do not routinely squeeze your nipples when assessing for discharge during the SBE.
Take note of any changes in the texture, color, or size.
Switch sides and repeat.
Lie down and put your left hand behind your head.
Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did earlier.
Take note of any changes in the texture or the size of your breasts.
Switch sides and repeat.
General Tips
Many people worry about whether they are performing the SBE correctly.
Try not to worry.
Then, it’s possible for you to discuss this change with your healthcare provider.
Most times, women have lumps in their breasts that are noncancerous (benign).
Things like hormonal changes, benign breast conditions, or injuries can cause benign growth.
Seek medical attention if the lump feels different from the rest of your breast.
You should consider this if the lump lingers for more than a complete menstrual cycle and increases in size.
Don’t panic if you feel a lump during a self-exam.
Rather, schedule a visit with your doctor for better evaluation.
Early detection of breast cancer is highly recommended, so ensure you maintain your BSE routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs of breast cancer?
Remember that some of these symptoms are associated with other conditions that arent cancer.
What do breast lumps feel like?
Sometimes, the lumps are painful.
Women who have denser and more fibrous tissues may have difficulty feeling lumps in their breasts.
2017;37(8):4655-4658. doi:10.21873/anticanres.11868
Santen RJ.Benign Breast Disease in Women.
Endotext [Internet].
Predictors of malignancy for female patients with suspicious nipple discharge: a retrospective study.
37(8).
