Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and every woman is at risk regardless of her age, family history or current health. Despite this, many women with breast cancer continue to live wholesome lives with the advancement of breast cancer treatment.
Early detection is important for successful treatment. This is why it is important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines which includes monthly breast self-examination, clinical breast examination and mammogram screening.
What is Breast Self-Examination?
As the term itself implies, breast self-examination (BSE) is a physical and visual examination of the breasts done by the woman herself. BSE should be done monthly; in addition to clinical breast examination that is done by your doctor every three years if you are in your 20s or 30s, or every year if you are 40 or older. Mammogram screening should be added on once a lady turns 40 years of age.
Importance of Breast Self-Examination
Regular BSE will help you be familiarized with the feeling and look of your breasts. This will enable you to detect any changes and abnormalities more easily.
Detecting breast cancer early will give you a chance of complete recovery since more treatment choices may be available. Regular BSE can help detect and treat breast cancer as early as possible.
If you notice a change in your breasts that seem abnormal or if one breast is different from the other while doing BSE, you should report it immediately to your doctor.
BSE is not always reliable to detect breast cancer. But many women who have breast cancer reported that they discovered a new breast lump through BSE. This is the reason why doctors still recommend BSE so that you can be familiar with the normal consistency of your breasts.
How to Conduct Breast Self-Examination
It is best to check with your doctor on how to conduct breast self-examination. Your doctor can explain what you are feeling in the breast tissue, so when you perform it on your own, you will be able to notice if there are changes that have occurred as you examine yourself each month.
Alternatively, you can follow the detailed guide below before seeking professional advice.
