The 2 most common reasons I hear from women for why they aren't doing their monthly breast self-exam (BSE) are that they don't know how to do it, and they don't know what they're supposed to be feeling for. So if any of you out there are using these same old excuses, here's a refresher course on BSEs.
There are various techniques for doing this exam. One is the "up and down and around in a circle" technique while standing in the shower, as illustrated on those free shower cards available from your local branch of the American Cancer Society. Here's another good method:
- Position yourself appropriately. Lie down on a firm surface with a towel folded into a square and placed underneath one of your shoulder blades. This positioning will help to push up and spread out your breast tissue, making it easier to feel.
- Press firmly and thoroughly. Use the pads of your fingers (not just the tips) and press hard enough so that some of the skin underneath your fingernails turns whitea—a pretty firm compression.
- Be sure to touch and press all over the entire breast. This doesn't mean just the breast mound. Breast tissue goes up to your clavicle, down to 2 inches below the band of your bra, and over to the edge of your armpit, so make sure you examine all of it. One area many women tend to miss is underneath the nipple.
- Switch the folded-up towel to your other side. Position it beneath your other shoulder blade, lie down, and repeat the process on the other breast.
- Choose a day you'll remember. Do the exam at the same time of each month, such as the end of your menstrual period. If you're no longer menstruating, use the same day of the month (1st, 15th, or whatever day you'll remember). If, say, your birth date is on the 14th, then examine yourself on the 14th of every month.
- Also examine your breasts while in the shower. You'll get a different perspective when your hands are wet and soapy.
And what will you be looking for during this process? Any change from last month to this month. Getting to know the geography of your breasts is the key. We all have nooks and crannies that are part of our individual "normal" findings. If you find a new lump, bump, indentation, or other change, visit your doctor real soon.
Early detection is still our best weapon against breast cancer, so write your date with your breasts on your calendar today!
