Self breast examination (BSE) is done using the hands and eyesight to check whether there are physical changes in the breast. This process is done so that all changes that lead to more serious conditions can be dealt with immediately.
It is important to be aware of the normal shape of the breast and whether or not there are changes over time. Breasts will generally feel different during the menstrual period. Before and during this period, most women feel their breasts will become tighter and denser. Entering menopause, the breasts will feel more loose and soft.
But there are certain changes that need to be watched out because they can be indicative of an illness. Breast self-examination generally aims to find out the shape of a normal breast, aware of whether there are changes in the breast, and so that any changes can be consulted immediately and not too late to be handled. With early breast detection, many women survive breast cancer.
How to check breast?
The best time to do BSE is a few days after your menstrual period ends. During menstruation, hormone levels fluctuate, causing changes in the body, including the tightened breasts.
There are several ways to do an examination. You can choose according to your convenience.
In front of the mirror
To do a BSE examination, you need a hand, vision, and mirror. Stand in front of the glass, open clothes from the waist up. Make sure there is enough lighting in the room and do the following.
Pay attention to your breasts. Most women do not have breasts that are the same size (the right breast is bigger or smaller than others).
Stand with your arms next to your body. Note the shape, size, and whether there are changes such as the surface and skin color, as well as the shape of the nipple.
Place your hands on your waist and press firmly to tighten your chest muscles. Pay attention to the breasts while mirroring from the left side to the right and vice versa.
Bend in front of the glass so that the breasts are stretched down. Pay attention and feel to check for certain changes in the breast.
Link both hands behind your head and press inward. Pay attention to your two breasts, including the bottom.
Check if there is liquid coming out of your nipples. Place your thumb and index finger around the nipple, then press gently, and notice if there is liquid coming out. Repeat on the other breast.
When bathing
You can also check the breasts while bathing. Soap foam will facilitate hand movement to check for lumps or changes in the breast. Lift one hand behind your head. With another hand covered in soap, touch the breast on the side of the raised hand. Use your fingers to gently squeeze part by part. Do it on the breast on the other side.
Lying down
BSE examination can also be done by lying down. Choose a comfortable bed or other flat surface. When lying down, the breasts become wider and easier to examine.
While lying down, place a small roll of towel or pillow under the shoulder. Place your right hand under your head. Lubricate your left hand with lotion and use your fingers to feel your right breast.
Use the breast like the surface of the clock. Start the movement from the 12 o'clock point to number 1 in a circular motion. After one circle, slide your finger and start again until the entire surface of the breast to the nipple is finished feeling.
No need to hurry when carrying out the examination. Make sure all the surface of the breast has been felt carefully.
The thing that needs to be considered when and after conducting an examination is to remain calm if you find changes in the breast. Although you must remain vigilant, most physical changes do not lead to cancer. Further examination is needed to diagnose abnormalities. Most lumps in the breast are also benign tumors that are not cancerous.
If there is a change
This breast lump or change can be caused by many things. But indeed only a few that lead to serious illness. About 1 in 10 lumps in the breast are cancerous. However, cancer that is late to be handled will have a very serious impact. Therefore, immediately consult a doctor if you find yourself in an independent examination:
Hard lumps in the breast or armpit.
Changes to the surface of the skin: the skin becomes wrinkled, or there is a basin.
Changes in breast size and shape, especially when you lift your breasts or move your arms.
Exit fluid from the nipple, but not breast milk.
Blood flow from the nipple.
There is a part of the nipple that is flushed and becomes moist, and does not change to its original state.
Putting changed
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