Reference Manual - IARC Screening Group

Performing Breast and Pelvic ExaminationsBREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE)Most breast lumps are found by women themselves. By examining herbreasts every month, a woman will know how her breasts normally lookand feel. If there is a change in her breasts, she will be able to see it andlet her healthcare provider know. Teaching women how to examine theirbreasts every month and encouraging them to do so are important tomaintaining good health (Figure G-7).Instructions forBreast Self-ExaminationWhen to Examine Your Breasts• It is best to examine your breasts 7–10 days after the first day of themenstrual period. (This is the time when the breasts are less likely tobe swollen and tender.) You should examine your breasts everymonth, even after your menstrual period has stopped forever. Ifyou are no longer menstruating, you should pick the same day eachmonth (e.g., the first day of the month) to examine your breasts.• Breast self-examination can be done after bathing or before going tosleep. Examining your breasts as you bathe will allow your hands tomove easily over your wet skin.How to Examine Your BreastsFirst, look at your breasts.• Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides and look forany changes in your breasts. Note any changes in their size, shape orskin color or if there is any puckering or dimpling.• Look at both breasts again, first with your arms raised above yourhead and then with your hands pressed on your hips to contract yourchest muscles. Bend forward to see if both breasts hang evenly.• Gently squeeze each nipple with the thumb and index finger to lookfor any discharge.Then, feel your breasts.You may examine your breasts while standing up or lying down. If youexamine your breasts while lying down, it will help to place a foldedtowel or pillow under the shoulder of the breast you are examining.• Raise your left arm over your head. Use your right hand to pressfirmly on your left breast with the flat surface (fat pads) of your threemiddle fingers. Start at the top of the left breast and move yourfingers around the entire breast in a large spiral or circular motion.Feel for any lumps or thickening. Continue to move around the breastin a spiral direction and inward toward the nipple until you reach thenipple.Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines for Low-Resource Settings G-9