What are the steps for self-examination of breast cancer?
- Step 1: Start by looking for differences between your breasts.
- Step 2: Put your hands on your hips, pull your elbows forward.
- Step 3: Use 3 fingers when examining your breasts.
- Step 4: Examine the areas surrounding the breast.
- Step 5: Perform the test at the same time each month.
How is self breast examination performed?
While standing in a shower, place one arm over your head and lightly soap your breast on that side. Then, using the flat surface of your fingers—not the fingertips—gently move your hand over your breast, feeling carefully for any lumps or thickened areas. It takes practice to perform a breast self-examination.
How many steps are in a breast self-exam?
How to do a breast self-exam: The five steps.
How many steps are there in BSE?
One is called the seven P’s of BSE, after seven steps that are named to have the same first initial: Positions, Perimeter, Palpation, Pressure, Pattern, Practice, and Planning what to do if a change is found in the breast tissue.
When is the best time to perform a breast self exam?
Your hormone levels fluctuate each month during your menstrual cycle, which causes changes in breast tissue. Swelling begins to decrease when your period starts. The best time to perform a self-exam for breast awareness is usually the week after your period ends.
How does a breast lump feel?
What does a breast lump feel like? Breast tissue in and of itself can feel somewhat lumpy and sponge-like, so it can be hard to know if what you’re feeling is an actual lump or just normal breast tissue. “A breast lump will feel like a distinct mass that’s noticeably more solid than the rest of your breast tissue.
What is the first thing to check during breast examination?
Begin with a visual examination of your breasts To inspect your breasts visually, do the following: Face forward and look for puckering, dimpling, or changes in size, shape or symmetry. Check to see if your nipples are turned in (inverted). Inspect your breasts with your hands pressed down on your hips.
Does breast cancer show up in routine blood work?
New research suggests that a routine blood test could help find cancers early. Researchers have previously shown that high levels of platelets – cells in the blood that help stop bleeding – can be a sign of cancer. But now they have found that even slightly raised levels of platelets may be an indication of cancer.
How to do a breast self-exam for breast cancer?
We recommend that all women routinely perform breast self-exams as part of their overall breast cancer screening strategy. Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Step 2: Now, raise your arms and look for the same changes.
Is it possible to detect breast cancer before it spreads?
Breast cancer can’t be prevented, but you can take three important steps to help detect it earlier. The free resource, 3 Steps to Early Detection, can increase your chance of finding breast cancer before it spreads. Tell us where we can send you your copy. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month.
Is the BSE a good test for breast cancer?
BSE isn’t recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer. Although it seemed promising when it was first introduced, studies have shown BSE doesn’t offer the early detection and survival benefits of other screening tests [ 58 ].
Can a mammogram help you detect breast cancer?
While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you can alert your healthcare professional if there are any changes.