Breast Self Examination (BSE) is a good way to familiarize yourself with your breasts.
To look for lumps is not the primary objective of BSE.
Rather, it is to get to know the "configuration" of your breasts well so that you'll become familiar with what's normal for you and how it feels.
In the event that something unusual does develop, it will be easier for you to recognize it.
Any out-of-the-ordinary change in the appearance, texture, feel, or function of your breasts should be considered a symptom of cancer, however tentative, and you should report it to your doctor immediately.
Don't panic, but don't waste any time either.
Most changes, such as the appearance of lumps, turn out to be routine and non-cancerous.
However, you should be particularly alert to three types of change:a lump or thickening of the tissue inside the breast, a change in the shape of any part of the breast, and any fluid that comes from the nipple.
And don't just rely on chance observation; examine your breasts regularly.
The best time to do your BSE is after your period when your breasts are not tender.
If you have irregular periods, simply schedule to do your BSE at the same time each month.
Don't be alarmed if you feel some lumpiness in your breasts.
Many women have a bunch of lumps in their breasts and it's quite normal; it doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer or any other form of disease.
Doctors call it "cyclical", which means the lumpiness is merely a result of fluctuations in your hormones (estrogen and progesterone) - they react and respond to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle.
If you practice BSE regularly, you'll find that the breast lump feels different and stands out from all the other breast tissue surrounding it.
There are three ways by which you can conduct BSE:standing in a private room, while taking a bath, or lying down.
Here are the regular steps: 1) Examine your breasts before a mirror for symmetry in size and shape, noting any puckering of skin, retraction of nipple, or changes in skin texture or color.
The visual examination should preferably be done twice, first with the hands behind the head, and then with the hands on the hips.
In the first instance, press your hands against the back of your head.
In the second, lean slightly forwards and pull your elbows and shoulders forwards as well.
The two positions present the breasts differently and in such a way that it makes it easier to detect any abnormal change in their shape or line.
2) After you have examined your breasts visually, you should probe further, using your sense of touch.
This is important because you can sometimes feel what you cannot see.
Assuming you are examining your left breast first, raise your left arm and run the fingers of your right hand in circles around the breast from inside to outside.
3) As you make bigger circles, press down with your fingers in an effort to detect any kind of lump or thickened area that was not there when you previously examined your breasts.
You can make the job easier by doing it in the shower or bath and lubricating the area you are examining with soapsuds.
4) Begin to palpate from your underarm down to the underside of your breast.
5) Using a circular motion, continue palpating your entire breast, moving your way towards your nipple.
6) Gently squeeze your nipple to ensure that no fluid of any type emerges.
7) Repeat steps 1 to 6 on your other breast.
8) If you choose to conduct BSE lying down, place one arm behind your head.
Put a flat pillow, folded bath towel, rolled-up blanket, or shirt under your raised arm.
Proceed with the BSE following steps 1 to 6.
Remember, your menstrual cycle will affect the shape and sensitivity of your breasts.
You should become familiar with these normal changes, so that you won't confuse them with abnormal ones.
It's also a good idea to perform the examination at the same stage of your cycle each month - say, on the first day of each period.
If you do detect any abnormal conditions, report them immediately to your doctor.