Breast self-examination: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:54, 23 March 2025

Breast Self-Examination[edit]

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a method by which individuals can check their own breasts for breast cancer or other abnormalities. It is a simple procedure that can be performed at home and is intended to help individuals become familiar with the normal state of their breasts, so that they can detect any changes early.

Purpose[edit]

The primary purpose of breast self-examination is to increase awareness of the normal condition of one's breasts and to detect any unusual changes as early as possible. While BSE is not a substitute for professional medical screening, such as mammography, it can be a useful tool for early detection of breast abnormalities.

Procedure[edit]

Breast self-examination involves a few simple steps that can be performed in front of a mirror, in the shower, or lying down. The examination typically includes visual inspection and manual palpation.

Visual Inspection[edit]

1. Stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and arms on hips. 2. Look for any changes in the shape, size, or symmetry of the breasts. 3. Check for any visible distortion or swelling. 4. Raise arms and look for the same changes. 5. Look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.

Manual Palpation[edit]

1. Lie down and use the right hand to feel the left breast and vice versa. 2. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of the hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. 3. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side. 4. Follow a pattern to ensure that the entire breast is covered, such as circular, vertical, or wedge patterns. 5. Feel for any lumps, thickening, or hardened knots.

Importance of Regular Examination[edit]

Regular breast self-examinations can help individuals become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This familiarity can make it easier to notice any changes, such as lumps or thickenings, which should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly.

Limitations[edit]

While breast self-examination can be a useful tool for early detection, it is not a replacement for regular screening by a healthcare professional. BSE does not detect all breast cancers, and not all detected lumps are cancerous. Therefore, it is important to combine BSE with other screening methods, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Breast self-examination (BSE)''' is a screening method used in an attempt to detect early [[breast cancer]]. The method involves the individual conducting a physical examination of their own breasts. BSE is recommended to be performed regularly, with varying recommendations from health organizations on the specific frequency. The technique is used to familiarize individuals with the normal condition of their breasts so that they can recognize any changes, should they occur.
+== Breast Self-Examination ==
-==Background==
+[[File:Breast_self-exam_NCI_visuals_online.jpg|Breast self-examination visual guide|thumb|right]]
-Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Early detection of breast cancer can lead to earlier treatment, potentially saving lives. Breast self-examination is one method by which individuals can monitor their breasts for changes such as lumps, distortions, or differences in size and shape. While BSE is not a substitute for professional screenings such as [[mammography]] or clinical breast exams, it can be a helpful tool for early detection in addition to these methods.
-==Procedure==
+'''Breast self-examination''' (BSE) is a method by which individuals can check their own breasts for [[breast cancer]] or other abnormalities. It is a simple procedure that can be performed at home and is intended to help individuals become familiar with the normal state of their breasts, so that they can detect any changes early.
-The breast self-examination procedure can be broken down into several steps:
-# '''Visual Examination''': Standing in front of a mirror with the shoulders straight and the arms on the hips, visually inspect your breasts. Look for changes in size, shape, symmetry, or skin texture, including dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.
+== Purpose ==
-# '''Physical Examination''': Using the pads of your fingers, apply gentle pressure to feel for lumps or thickening. This can be done while lying down or in the shower. The entire breast, from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to the cleavage, should be examined.
-# '''Repetition''': Repeat the examination on the other breast, following the same steps.
-==Importance==
+The primary purpose of breast self-examination is to increase awareness of the normal condition of one's breasts and to detect any unusual changes as early as possible. While BSE is not a substitute for professional medical screening, such as [[mammography]], it can be a useful tool for early detection of breast abnormalities.
-Regular breast self-examinations can help individuals become more familiar with their breasts, allowing for the early detection of any abnormalities. If a change is detected, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. However, it is important to note that not all lumps or abnormalities result in a diagnosis of breast cancer.
-==Controversy and Recommendations==
+== Procedure ==
-The effectiveness and recommendations regarding breast self-examinations have been subjects of debate among medical professionals. Some organizations, such as the [[American Cancer Society]], no longer recommend routine breast self-exams as a screening tool for women with an average risk of breast cancer. They emphasize the importance of mammography and clinical breast exams for cancer detection. However, they also acknowledge that women should be familiar with their breasts and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
-==Conclusion==
+Breast self-examination involves a few simple steps that can be performed in front of a mirror, in the shower, or lying down. The examination typically includes visual inspection and manual palpation.
-Breast self-examination is a personal screening method that can play a role in the early detection of breast cancer. While it has been a topic of debate, the consensus is that awareness and familiarity with one's own body are crucial. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their screening options with their healthcare providers to determine the best approach for their health.
-[[Category:Breast cancer screening]]
+=== Visual Inspection ===
-[[Category:Oncology]]
-[[Category:Women's health]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
+[[File:Breast_self_exam_1.jpg|Breast self-examination step 1|thumb|left]]
-== Breast self-examination ==
-<gallery>
+. Stand in front of a mirror with shoulders straight and arms on hips.
-File:Breast_self-exam_NCI_visuals_online.jpg|Breast self-examination
+. Look for any changes in the shape, size, or symmetry of the breasts.
-File:Blausen_0144_BreastSelfExam_3Methods.png|Breast self-examination
+. Check for any visible distortion or swelling.
-</gallery>
+. Raise arms and look for the same changes.
-== Breast self-examination ==
+. Look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.
-<gallery>
-File:Breast_self_exam_1.jpg|Breast self-examination step 1
+=== Manual Palpation ===
-File:Breast_self-exam_NCI_visuals_online.jpg|Breast self-examination visual guide
-File:Blausen_0144_BreastSelfExam_3Methods.png|Three methods of breast self-examination
+[[File:Blausen_0144_BreastSelfExam_3Methods.png|Three methods of breast self-examination|thumb|right]]
-</gallery>
+. Lie down and use the right hand to feel the left breast and vice versa.
+. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of the hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.
+. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side.
+. Follow a pattern to ensure that the entire breast is covered, such as circular, vertical, or wedge patterns.
+. Feel for any lumps, thickening, or hardened knots.
+== Importance of Regular Examination ==
+Regular breast self-examinations can help individuals become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This familiarity can make it easier to notice any changes, such as lumps or thickenings, which should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly.
+== Limitations ==
+While breast self-examination can be a useful tool for early detection, it is not a replacement for regular screening by a healthcare professional. BSE does not detect all breast cancers, and not all detected lumps are cancerous. Therefore, it is important to combine BSE with other screening methods, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Breast cancer]]
+* [[Mammography]]
+* [[Clinical breast examination]]
+[[Category:Breast cancer]]
+[[Category:Medical tests]]