Who
should do BSE?
Breast
Cancer does not discriminate and has been known to affect
even very young women.
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All
women should begin practising BSE from an early age
and ensure that it is a regular habit by the age of
25, especially if there is a family history of breast
cancer. It is however, more common to find
abnormalities over the age of 35.
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You
should continue to do BSE throughout your life, as
there is more risk of getting breast cancer as you get
older.
When should I
check my breasts?
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Check your
breasts once every month.
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BSE should be
practised at the same time every month. The best time is a
couple of days after the end of your period, when your breasts
are less tender or lumpy.
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If you no
longer have periods choose a particular day such as the first
day of each month to check.
A Guide to
Breast Self Examination (BSE)
By doing BSE, you
get to know how your breasts look and feel so you can see any
changes that may appear. BSE is one way you can do something about
your own health.
LOOK
IN THE MIRROR
Undress
to the waist. Stand in front of a mirror in good
light. Get to know what your breasts usually
look like so you can then see any changes that
may appear.
What
do I look for?
-
Changes
in the size and shape of your breasts.
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Any
dimpling or puckering of the skin.
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Anything
different about the nipple
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Raise
your arms above your head and look carefully for
any changes.
If
you put your hands on your hips and tighten your
chest muscles, you can look carefully for any
changes.
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HOW TO
CHECK YOUR BREASTS
Use the
flat part of your fingers, not your fingertips, to feel each
part of your breast.
At each
part you feel, circle firmly with the flat of your hand.
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Check
the whole area of the breast as shown in the
picture to the right
Imagine
a clock face on your breast. Begin at the
midnight position at the outside edges of your
breast and slowly circle inward. Cover the whole
breast area, finishing with your nipple. Check
your nipple. Behind your nipple there should be
a little hollow. Then check right up into your
armpit.
Feel
your breasts
If
you have smaller breasts you may find it easier
to check them in the shower or standing in front
of a mirror.
If
you have larger breasts you might find it easier
to lie down to check them.
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In
the shower or standing in front of the mirror
To
check your right breast, put your right hand
behind your head. Use your left hand to check
your right breast. Now put your other hand
behind your head and check your other breast in
the same way.
What
do I check for?
-
Lumps,
even if they are painless
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Thickening
in your breast.
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Any
discharge from your nipple.
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Any
other changes.
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Lying
Down
To check
your right breast, lie down and put a small pillow under
your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head.
Use your left hand to check your right breast.
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This
position flattens your breast and makes it
easier to feel any changes.
Now
put your other hand behind your head. Put the
pillow or towel under your other shoulder, and
check your other breast in the same way.
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If
you find a lump or changes in your breast.
It is
normal to be concerned if you find lumps or changes in
your breasts.
If you
notice any changes you should see your doctor straight
away. It is far better to have any changes checked than
ignore something that might be cancer. Your doctor can
reassure you that everything is all right, or refer you
to a specialist for further tests.
Your
doctor or women's health nurse can give you more
information about BSE.
Remember:
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From
age 25, or earlier if you have a family history,
check your breasts once a month.
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If
you are aged 40 or over, also see your doctor once a
year for a breast examination.
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If
you are 50 or over, also have a screening mammogram
(breast x-ray) every two years. Call Breast Screen
on 13 20 50 to arrange an appointment for
a free screening mammogram.
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See
your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in
your breasts.
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