According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer accounted for 41,116 deaths in women 2005, making it the highest cause of cancer death in Hispanic women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women of multiple other races.
The American Cancer Society suggests that people learn about Breast Self-Exam (BSE) starting in their 20s and can benefit from having their technique evaluated by a healthcare professional during a periodic health exam. Those who choose not to perform BSEs can still benefit from knowing what is normal for their own bodies.
BSE is a technique used to help detect early changes in breast tissue, but it is not the only way to help detect breast cancer. A clinical breast exam and a mammogram are two examples of other methods for breast cancer detection. Knowledge of risk factors and making healthy lifestyle changes may also help to prevent breast cancer.
The breasts may look or feel differently depending on a number of variables other than cancer, such as hormonal changes and caffeine intake. People who perform a BSE on a regular schedule may find that their breasts may be painful or swollen during certain times of the month or day and may find it helpful to avoid those times for a BSE. It is important to notify a healthcare provider of any changes in the feel or look of the breasts so that the area can be evaluated properly and promptly.
Some people with special circumstances may assume that they cannot do a BSE, but many people may wish to perform BSE including:
- Women in their 20s and older
- Women who are pregnant
- Women who are nursing
- Women with breast implants – a healthcare provider may be able to help individuals to determine the location of the implant edges
- Men should also be aware of what is normal and abnormal as men can also get breast cancer
Latest Recommendations for Breast Self Exam
The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that people lie down while performing a BSE. This encourages tissue of the breast to spread more easily over the chest wall. The arm of the side that is being examined should be raised overhead while the opposite hand is used to feel for lumps. For example, when examining the right breast, the right arm is raised overhead while the left fingers feel for lumps.
Use the pads of the three middle fingers to feel for lumps while making circular motions about the size of a dime using three different pressures before moving to the next area of the breast.
- Light pressure enables the examiner to feel tissue next to the skin.
- Moderate pressure allows the examiner to feel tissue a bit deeper.
- Firm pressure enables the examiner to feel tissue next to the chest wall and ribcage.
A vertical (up and down) pattern has been shown to be most effective in ensuring that all breast tissue is examined. In this pattern, the examiner begins just below the armpit and moves down then moves up slightly closer towards the center of the body and continues in this manner while ensuring that the entire breast area from the collarbone to the ribs is examined. Repeat on the other side in the same manner.
Breasts extend up into the underarm area. The most effective position for examining this area is sitting or standing with the arm only slightly lifted. Raising the arm straight up makes examination of this area harder because it tightens muscles and tissues.
The appearance of the breasts can be evaluated by standing in front of a mirror with the hands pressing firmly into the hips. The American Cancer Society suggests observing for changes in the breasts and/or nipples, such as:
- Size
- Shape
- Contour
- Dimples
- Redness
- Scaling
Latest Guidelines for Breast Self-Exam
The American Cancer Society’s 2008 guidelines for Breast Self-Exam are based on a review of medical literature and an advisory group of experts in order to increase the likelihood of discovering any abnormalities in breast tissue. BSE is only one of several ways to detect early changes and hopefully improve breast cancer survival rates.
This article is for information only and should not be considered medical advice. Please contact a healthcare provider regarding breast changes or specific questions regarding breasts.
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