Smith RA, Cokkinides V, Brawley OW. Cancer screening in the United States, 2008: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and cancer screening issues. CA Cancer J Clin. 2008;58:161-179.
Bevers TB, Anderson BO, Bonaccio E, Buys S, Daly MB, Dempsey PJ, et al. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology: breast cancer screening and diagnosis. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2009;7:1060-1096.
Self-examination of the breast; BSE
Many women feel that doing a breast self exam is an important part of their health care. It helps them learn how their breasts normally feel, so that if they find a lump they will know whether it is something to discuss with their health care provider.
However, there is not agreement among experts about recommending breast self exams. It is not known for sure what role breast self exams play in finding breast cancer or saving lives.
Talk to your health care provider about whether you should do breast self exams.
If you do decide to perform breast self exams, be sure to do the exam about 3 - 5 days after your period starts, when your breasts are not as tender or lumpy. If you have gone through menopause, do your exam on the same day every month.
First, lie on your back.
- Place your right hand behind your head. With the middle fingers of your left hand, gently yet firmly press down using small motions to examine the entire right breast.
- Then, while sitting or standing, examine your armpit, because breast tissue extends to that area.
- Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat the process on the left breast.
- Use one of the patterns shown in the diagram to make sure that you are covering all of the breast tissue.
Most women have some lumps, so don't be concerned about figuring out what a lump or abnormal area is. Your goal is to find anything new or different and then see your health care provider for an evaluation.
Although some women find it easiest to do the exam in the shower, when the skin is soft and wet, you are more likely to examine all of the breast tissue if you are lying down.
Next, stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side. Look at your breasts directly and in the mirror for changes in skin texture (such as dimpling, puckering, indentations, or skin that looks like an orange peel), shape, contour, or the nipple turning inward. Do the same with your arms raised above your head.
Discuss any changes you find with your health care provider right away.
See also:
Review Date: 4/12/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General surgery practice specializing in breast cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington (1/24/2011).
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
