The earlier breast cancer is found, the better. Breast self-examination - in combination with mammography and breast examination by a health-care professional - can increase the chances of detecting breast abnormalities early, when treatment is most successful. The staff at the Beaumont Cancer Institute reaches out to educate women about breast cancer prevention and
direct them to appropriate diagnostic services with: Breast self-examination is a procedure performed by an individual to physically and visually examine herself for any changes in the breasts and underarm areas of the body. It has not shown that BSE alone can accurately determine the presence of breast cancer. Therefore, BSE should not be used in place
of, but in addition to, clinical breast examination (performed by a healthcare provider) and mammography. A monthly self breast exam is an important tool in detecting breast cancer early. By doing BSE regularly, you get to know how your breasts normally feel so that you are more apt to detect any change. Women should begin practicing breast self-examination by age 20 and continue the practice throughout their lives - even during pregnancy and after menopause. Become familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so that you may notice any change from what is normal for you.
Changes to be aware of:Check with your physician if you find any change in your breast(s) that causes you concern. Changes in your breasts may include:
How to do BSE:In Front of a Mirror1. Stand in front of a mirror that is large enough for you to see your breasts clearly. Check each breast for anything unusual. Check the skin for puckering, dimpling, or scaliness. Look for a discharge from the nipples. 2. Watching closely in the mirror, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. 3. Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bend slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. Do steps 2 and 3 to check for any change in the shape or contour of your breasts. As you do these steps, you should feel your chest muscles tighten. 4. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for a discharge. Lying DownThe breasts are best examined while lying down because it spreads the breast tissue evenly over the chest.
In the ShowerYour fingers slide more easily over wet, soapy skin. This may make lumps and other changes easier to feel. Remember to check your entire breast and underarm area.
Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately. Use the pads of the fingers of your other hand to check the breast and the surrounding area firmly, carefully, and thoroughly. Some women like to use lotion or powder to help their fingers glide easily over the skin. Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin. Feel the tissue by pressing your fingers in small, overlapping areas about the size of a dime. To be sure you cover the whole breast, take your time and follow a definite pattern: lines, circles, or wedges. Some research suggests that many women do BSE more thoroughly when they use a pattern of up-and-down lines or strips. Other women feel more comfortable with another pattern. The important thing is to cover the whole breast and to pay special attention to the area between the breast and the underarm, including the underarm itself. Check the area above the breast, up to the collarbone, and all the way over to your shoulder.
The American Cancer Society recommends using three different levels of pressure to examine your breasts:
6. Some women repeat step 5 in the shower. Your fingers will glide easily over soapy skin, so you can concentrate on feeling for changes underneath. What do you do if you find a lump?One of the most frightening moments for a woman is if she feels something different or unusual while performing breast self-examination. One of the most important reasons to perform regular breast self-examination is so that you know what is normal for your breasts. If you find a lump, it is important not to panic. If you discover a lump in one breast or feel something "different" in the tissue, or you feel a definite lump, there may be valid reason for concern and it is important to contact your physician. Sometimes, the lumpiness may be due to menstrual changes; however, if you have nipple discharge or skin changes such as dimpling or puckering, your physician may want to see you right away. It is natural to be frightened when discovering a lump, but do not let the prospect of cancer delay you from taking action. Remember that most of all breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). What type of palpation is appropriate for the breast?palpate breasts with both the flat of your hand and fingers. follow systematically, in a circular pattern around the nipple or along the radial lines (simulate a clock) or vertical segments and feel the entire breast, including the tail near the axilla.
When preparing to examine the breasts of a female client which technique is most appropriate?Which technique is appropriate for the nurse to use to palpate a client's breast? The nurse should use the flat pads of three fingers to palpate the breast of the client for accurate assessment.
What is the appropriate way to examine the female breast?Sit or stand shirtless and braless in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. 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).
Which position is appropriate for palpating tissues during breast self examination?To be effective, palpation must be done both lying down and standing up. When palpating, you are feeling for a lump that stands out or one you've never felt before. If you find a new lump or change in your breast, call your health care provider for a clinical breast exam.
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