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  • A Breast Self Exam (BSE) is an early cancer screening method for your breasts. The American Cancer Association recommends breast self-exams in addition to several other screening methods as a means to reducing the breast cancer death rate through early detection.

    Features

    Breast self exams offer you the benefit of familiarizing yourself with your breasts in order to detect changes and understand the normal feel and appearance of your breasts.

    Function

    Breast self exams are done with your hands and eyes in the privacy of your home and should be performed when your breasts are not tender. The best time for a home exam is several days after your period if you are still menstruating. Women who do not menstruate should perform their exams the same time each month to note any changes in the breast tissue.

    Considerations

    Although there are no studies to suggest that home breast exams can save lives, combined with other cancer screening methods it may be used as an effective means for early detection.

    Risks

    Self-exams are not harmful to your breasts, but it may increase anxiety in women who find non-cancerous lumps, can increase the number of unnecessary procedures such as biopsies that are performed, and give those who perform them a false sense of security about their breast health.

    Identification

    The Mayo Clinic recommends recording your monthly inspections in a notebook to document breast changes, feel, appearance and diagrams. Recording the data can help you to note any gradual changes you might not otherwise be aware of if you had not recorded it.

    Prevention/Solution

    Women should begin breast self exams at the age of 20 and familiarize themselves with the correct method to perform it. Ask your doctor to show you how to properly examine your breasts or see the Resource link for more information.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic -- Breast Exam

    UCSF -- Breast Cancer

    ACOG - Breast Self-Exam

    More Information:

    How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

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