Breast Self-Examination: 5 Minutes a Month for Your Good Health
Why do BSE?
For your good health. By doing BSE monthly, you will learn what is normal in your breasts. Then you can compare your breasts from month to month to see if there are any changes. Few breast lumps or changes are cancerous. Even if it is cancer, there is a high cure rate when it is found early and treated promptly.
When should I do BSE?
Once a month. It's best to do your exam 5-7 days after your period begins. Your breasts are not likely to be tender and swollen then. If your periods are irregular or you no longer have them, pick a day that's easy to remember (like the first day of each month).
How To Do Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
First look at your breasts in a mirror. Breasts do not normally look identical.
1. Stand in front of a large mirror in a well lighted room. Pull back your shoulders. Check for these changes:
- Dimpling or puckering of skin.
- Change in skin color or texture.
- Nipple discharge, scaling around nipple, nipple pointing inward or
in a different direction.
2. Place your hands on your hips and press down. Again, check for:
- Dimpling or puckering of skin.
- Change in skin color or texture.
- Nipple discharge, scaling around nipple, nipple pointing inward or in a different direction.
3. Slowly raise your arms above your head. Watch how your breasts move. Does either breast seem to pull unusually or seem stuck? Does a dimple appear?
4. In the shower or tub, feel your breasts by "sandwiching" the breast between your hands and using the upper hand to feel your breast for any unusual lumps or thickening.
Next, lie down and feel your breasts. Feel for:
- your normal breast structure.
- any unusual lumps or thickening.
1. Lie down and tuck a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.
2. To start, place your left hand in your right armpit. With the pads of your fingertips, press down firmly. Then use a small circular motion to feel the tissue beneath the pads of your three middle fingers.
3. Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Overlap areas to be thorough.
4. Now, repeat the steps above for your left breast. Shift the pillow under your left shoulder and put your left arm behind your head.
Normal Breast Structures
As you move across your breasts, try to outline these normal structures.
1. Glandular tissue (shaded dark) feels firm and ropey. Most of it is in the upper part of the breast and extends into the armpit.
2. Fatty tissue is soft (area not shaded). As you examine your breast you will feel the change from ropey glandular tissue to soft fatty tissue.
3. Just above and below the nipple, you may feel a ridge (see dotted lines in drawing above). This is where glandular tissue meets fatty tissue.
4. Under your breast tissue are your ribs. They are sometimes sore to press on.
Unsure?
If you aren't sure if something is normal, check the other breast. If you feel the same thing in about the same place, chances are it is part of the normal breast structure. If you're not sure--or if you feel an unusual lump or thickening--call your doctor or nurse.
Do call your doctor promptly if you notice any changes in your breasts.
- lump in breast or underarm;
- skin changes such as thickening, dimpling, redness, or scaliness;
- nipple changes such as discharge, scaling, pointing inward or in a different direction.
If you would like to know more about BSE--or if you have questions about what is normal for you--please talk with your doctor or nurse. You can also call UW Hospital and Clinics to make an appointment at one of the clinics below. The clinics have resources to help you learn how to do BSE, and nurses, nurse practitioners, or doctors who can teach you BSE and answer your questions.
Breast Center (608)266-6400
Women's Health Internal Medicine Clinic (608)263-0150
The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #6294.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 03/23/2009
Copyright © 03/23/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#4382
Print Health Fact For You