Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

east self-examination 255
Women who have fibrocystic breasts may experience
increased symptoms during this time. Knowing
these cyclic patterns makes it easier to
distinguish normal from unusual changes.
Lifestyle factors that influence breast health
include EATING HABITS, physical exercise, and cigarette
smoking. Some research studies suggest a
diet high in saturated fat (animal fat) raises the
risk for FIBROCYSTIC BREAST DISEASE and BREAST CAN-
CER. The findings of other studies are inconclusive.
There is increased risk for breast cancer with OBE-
SITY, however, which may be a consequence of
diet and exercise or a function of increased estrogen
in the blood circulation as a result of aromatase
conversion of stored estrogen in adipose
(fat) cells. Numerous studies associate cigarette
smoking with increased risk for fibrocystic breast
disease, fibroadenoma (noncancerous breast
tumor), breast cancer, and cancer overall.
See also DIET AND HEALTH; EXERCISE AND HEALTH;
MASTITIS; OBESITY AND HEALTH; SMOKING AND HEALTH;
SMOKING CESSATION.
breast self-examination A method a woman can
use to examine her breasts for changes such as
lumps and irregularities in the BREAST tissue. The
primary purpose of breast self-examination (BSE)
is to familiarize a woman with the normal appearance
and feel of her breasts so she can detect
changes that may warrant medical evaluation.
Though most lumps and irregularities a woman
detects through BSE are benign (noncancerous),
BSE can result in early discovery of BREAST CANCER.
The risk for breast cancer increases with age and is
highest after MENOPAUSE.
The ideal time to perform BSE is at the end of
the menstrual period when the breasts are least
sensitive. BSE takes only a few minutes, following
these steps:
1. Stand in front of a mirror, unclothed, with
arms at the sides. Look at the breasts for any
indentations, irregularities, or distortions to the
shape of the breast.
2. Raise the arms and repeat the visual examination.
3. With the flat surfaces of the fingers of the left
hand, gently feel the right breast starting at the
nipple and moving outward in a circular pattern
to cover the entire breast. Also feel into
the armpit area, which contains breast tissue.
4. Gently squeeze the nipple to detect any discharge.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the left breast.
6. Lie on the back on a flat surface with the right
hand behind the head. Repeat steps 3 and 4.
7. Switch to put the left hand behind head and
repeat steps 3 and 4 for the left breast.
Though BSE primarily targets women, it is
good preventive health for men to also become
familiar with the appearance and feel of their
breasts. Breast cancer is rare but can occur in men.
Though lumps in the breast are easier to detect in
men, men are more likely to disregard them as
insignificant. A doctor should evaluate any lump
that develops in a man’s breast.
See also MAMMOGRAM; PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE
AND IMMUNIZATIONS; TESTICULAR SELF-EXAMINATION.