MyMaleesha The Women Magazine for A Smart Life Style.

Breast Self Examination

Self examination of the breast is the most simple and effective way of detecting the earliest sign of any disorder, especially cancer. It comprises of inspection by looking and then feeling by hands (palpation) each breast and comparing both of them. Any stain on the undergarments indicates nipple discharge.

Approximately 50% of all breast lumps including cancer are first noticed by the woman herself. Most breast problems are not due to cancer, but if ignored and left untreated, may cause trouble. Yearly breast screening programmes among asymptomatic women help to detect cancer in the early stage.

However, women are encouraged to self examine their breasts every month. The early detection and treatment of cancer may promise a cure. Sometimes, it may make the woman more conscious (anxious) of cancer from which she may not be suffering.

But women belonging to the “high risk” category should self examine their breasts as a routine without being too conscious. It may help them to detect cancer early and plan its management and thus avoid its adverse effects.

Normal Feel Of The Breasts

The normal breasts feel differently in each individual. The shape of the breast depends on the constitution (build) of the patient, strength of the supporting ligaments and heredity. The skin of the breast is smooth but wrinkles may appear with advancing age. Normally, a few veins are coursing over the breasts. The left breast is at a lower level than the right.

Once a woman becomes familiar with the normal feel of her breasts with the first few self examinations, it becomes easier to notice any change. Breasts are soft, not painful and least lumpy, about 4-5 days after the end of the periods. Ribs, in thin built women with small breasts may be felt. Many women who have not yet reached menopause have rather lumpy breasts, especially before their periods and sometimes throughout the whole month. As age advances, they loose their fat, the glandular tissue undergoes atrophy and the breasts become loose in texture. It is easier to feel a lump in such a breast.

At What Age To Start Breast Self Examination

From around the mid thirties and for the rest of one’s life one should do a regular self examination of the breasts. Breast cancer is rare under the age of 30.

Best Time To Do Breast Self Examination

After the periods are over and when the breasts are softest and without any pain, a self examination of the breasts advised. When the periods are stopped, either due to menopause or in the event of a hysterectomy, it is advised on the first day of each calender month.

Self Examination Of The Breasts

Choose a time and place where you can examine your breasts undisturbed and in complete privacy.

Sit or stand infront of a mirror with good light. Remove clothes and relax with arms on the sides.

Now carefully inspect and compare both your breasts in the mirror. Look for the breast shape, its outline (contour) and size. Notice any dimpling or prominent veins over the skin, any change in the nipples or the areola. Notice any recent retraction, inver­sion or pulling to one side of the nipple. Gently squeeze each nipple and note the nature and site of any discharge.

Now look for any change as above with both the arms raised above your head and then with your hands placed lightly on the top of your head.

Now place your hands firmly over your hip. When hands are pressed against the hip, the muscles beneath the breasts become tight.

Look again as above and compare for any change with the hands relaxed and when pressed against the hip. Note especially any puckering of the skin.

Each breast is now examined by the hand (palpation):

Palpation Of The Left Breast

Lie flat on your bed with a pillow under your head. Put a folded towel under the left shoulder with the left arm kept by the side. The breast is to be examined by the right hand. Palpate with the flat of your hand (not dipping with the finger tips) and feel each part of the breast starting with the upper, inner and outer quadrant. The examination is carried out gently and systematically with small circular motions while pressing gently against the firm chest wall. You may need to make several circles. The palpation should start from the nipple outwards. In case a lump is discovered note its location, size, margins and adherence to the skin or the underlying muscles.

Palpate the armpit (axilla) with the flat of your fingers. The armpit is like an inverted cone, therefore, palpate its deep upper part and all around with your arm by your side. Feel for any nodes; when the nodes are fixed to each other they form a lump.

Now raise your left arm above your head with your elbow bent and repeat the examination. This helps examine the outer part of the breast and the armpit. Nodes above the clavicle (supraclavicular) are also examined.

The examination of the right breast is carried out with the left hand in a similar manner, with a folded towel kept under the right shoulder and the right arm kept by your side. Large pendulous breasts, as in obese women, are examined while leaning forwards arms outstretched, resting on a chair.

The breasts are examined in this hanging position. In case there is any change in shape, size, skin surface any nodularity or a lump in the breast. or any discharge from the nipple, a doctor should be consulted.