Breast Self Exam - Overview - Part 1 of 2 - Healthination

Welcome to HealthiNation, I’m Dr. Isabel Blumberg. In our segment on breast cancer, we learned the disease will affect one in eight women at some point in their lives. We also know that early screening is a critical step in diagnosing this disease. Today, three screening tests are routinely used to detect breast cancer: the breast self exam, called the BSE for short; the clinical breast exam performed by a doctor; and the mammogram. These three screening tests together offer women the best opportunity for early detection and treatment. Monthly self exams play only a small role in finding breast cancer early. In fact most lumps are found by chance. But self exams can really help you know what’s normal for you. And getting to know your body well is important in noticing any changes that may require a visit to the doctor. If you’re going to perform regular self exams, do them several days after your period ends when your *** are least likely to be swollen and tender. If you have stopped having periods, pick a day; say the 1st of every month. The breast has different zones or areas. For instance, the upper, outer area near the armpit tends to have the most prominent bumps and lumps. Your ***, of course, are unique to you. The most important thing is to get to know how each breast normally looks and feels and to note any changes or differences. Ask yourself: "Has anything changed since my last period or does something seem worse or more obvious?" Some women find that keeping a journal can help them track the changes in their *** over time.