5 Things You Should Know: Breast Self-Exams

Yesterday we mentioned the 8 symptoms you should look for when performing a breast self-exam between regular breast cancer screenings. But what are some things you should know about conducting a self-exam? Today we're going to explore the breast self-exam a little further, and find out some "best-practices" when looking for signs of breast cancer on your own.

Here are 5 things you should know and remember as you conduct your own breast self-exams:

1. Perform exams every month on a consistent schedule
   - A good time is after menstruation each month, or if you are pregnant or do not menstruate, set a consistent time each month to perform a self-check.
2. Conduct the test in good light
   - Some symptoms exhibit various visible clues, including dimpling, or changes in skin color. Use a mirror and make sure there is good light when you conduct your self-exams.
3. Look for signs in various positions
   - Different positions can reveal certain symptoms. First sit or stand in front of the mirror with your arms straight down by your side. Then look for signs with your hands firmly on your hips, then again with your hands raised high.
   
   - Once you begin to examine the breast tissue, do so by lying on your back with one arm over your head. Use your free hand to examine the opposite breast (i.e. right hand - left breast), then switch after you have finished.
4. Apply gentle pressure in a circular motion to examine the breast tissue
   - Starting at the top of the breast, and keeping your fingers flat and together, apply gentle pressure and move around the outside of the breast in a large circle.
   
   - Once you've returned to the top of the breast, move your fingers closer to the center of the breast, and repeat the process using increasingly smaller circles until the whole of the breast tissue has been examined.
   
   - Use the same process to examine the nipple areas as well. Gently squeeze the nipple also, to check for any discharge.
5. Self-Exams should not take the place of Mammography
   - While the self-exam is a good way to detect lumps or other changes in the breasts, mammography can detect growths which are too small to be felt by you or your doctor.
   
   - Mammography has also proven to be nearly 80% effective in detecting breast cancer, and together with self-exams and regular clinical screenings, you can rest assured you are doing all you can to detect the disease in its earliest, most treatable stage.

Remember: Breast self-exams are an important part of your monthly routine, but it is essential to continue to schedule regular screenings and clinical exams with your doctor. Early detection of breast cancer can mean the difference in successful treatment of the disease. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Benson today, and leave nothing to chance: (979) 776-1660

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