Why we need Breast Self-Exam (BSE)?
Breasts are very sensitive to natural hormones as well as to any hormones we use during our life (hormones in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, hormones used for thyroid diseases, hormones in morning after pills, etc.). In addition breasts are one of main sexual organs which could be often traumatized. And breasts are hard working organs during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Breasts are working also hard during hyperprolactinemia.
It is important to know that regular breast self-exam can help you know how your breasts normally feel and look, so you can notice any changes. Most breast changes or lumps are can be discovered very early and many of them are not cancerous, but only a health care provider can tell you for sure. If breast cancer is found early, you can have more treatment choices and a better chance of recovery. So, it is very important to find breast cancer at early stages - as early as possible.
Breast Self-Exam should not take the place of getting regular mammograms. Right now, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early and to improve your chances for survival.
Breast Self-Exam is recommended every month. Breast Self-Exam should be performed during few days after your period (menstruation) ends. During this time, breasts are less tender or swollen. It is important to do Breast Self-Exam at the same time every month (approximately). By doing routine Breast Self-Exam and having routine mammogram and checkups, you can help detect breast problems early.
If you wish be healthy and prevent breast problems - please follow recommendations introduced in the table:
Recommended
procedures
|
Age
conditions |
Frequency |
Breast self-exams
|
after age 20 years |
Once a month |
Doctor's exam of breasts
|
after age 20 years |
Once a year |
| Mammography |
age 40-50 years
50 years and older
first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) or more than one other relative with breast or ovarian cancer that occurred before menopause
|
Every 1–2 years
Once a year
Once a year
|
It is strongly recommended to start performing Breast Self-Exam starting from age 20. You should examine your breasts once a month as it is recommended above.
If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month, such as the first day of the month or a day easy for you to remember, such as your birth date or birthday of your boyfriend. With each exam, you will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts, and will be more alert to changes.
All women should do the exam once a month including women who:
 |
are already on pre-menopause or menopause,
|
|
are pregnant (during whole 9 months),
|
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are breastfeeding (as long as breastfeeding is performed), |
|
have breast implants (all ages). |
Discover your breasts conditions during different periods of your menstrual cycle. Any
changes or lumps should be discussed with your doctor right away.
Discover how perform Breast Self-Exam
on next page
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Regularly and correctly performed Breast Self-Exam can prevent a lot of breast diseases including breast cancer!
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Breast Self-Exam should be done by all women after 20 - young and old, virgin and sexually active, healthy and weak, white and black, atheist and religious, married and single, with big breasts and small breasts, women with pregnancies and deliveries in history and women never being pregnant, women using contraception and women never used contraception, fertile and infertile women - see pictures.
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