Slide 2: Breast Self-Examination

Breast self-exam, or the process of constantly checking breasts on their own, can be an integral
way to detect breast cancer early when the odds of successfully treating it are high. Breast self-
exam can be an innovative screening tool combined with other techniques (mammography,
regular physical exams, and ultrasound or MRI). Evidence suggests that early cancer diagnosis
using breast self-exam can improve survival rates. Comparing 5-year survival rates, stages 0-1
are 100 percent, stage 2 is 93 percent, stage 3 is 72 percent, and stage 4 is 22 percent. Another
benefit of screening for cancer using breast self-exam is the reduced cost of therapy when the
cancers are diagnosed earlier (Huang et al., 2022).

Slide 3: Appropriate Time to Check for Lumps
Female hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) vary each month during the menstrual cycle;
this can cause significant changes in breast tissue. Therefore, the most appropriate time to self-
check for breast abnormalities is often the week after the monthly periods. This is because
breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender at this period, making it easier and more accurate to
notice abnormalities or changes. Women in the menopause years (meaning they are not
menstruating) can choose any day of the month to examine their breasts. They must consistently
stick with this day (Novita et al., 2019).

Slide 4: How to Check for Lumps

To check for lumps, the first step is to lie down on their back and use their left hand to feel the
right breast and right hand to feel left. The second step is to use a smooth, firm touch with the
hand’s first few finger pads to feel the breasts, ensuring the fingers are together and flat. Next,
press down with the fingers and move them in a circular motion (about an inch around). Ensure
that the whole breast area is covered from bottom to top and side to side – from the cleavage to
the armpit and from the top of the abdomen to the collarbone. One should follow a specific
pattern to cover the entire breast. One alternative is beginning at the nipple and then moving in
larger circles until one reaches the breast’s outer edge. Another option is to move fingers up and
down in a vertical pattern, in rows. For the skin area and the tissue underneath, use light
pressure; medium pressure is recommended for tissue in the breast’s mid-area and deep pressure
for thick tissue in the back. The final step is to feel the breasts for masses/lumps while sitting or
standing (Breastcancer.org, n.d.).

Slide 5: What do look for
During a BSE, an individual typically looks for lumps or masses in their breasts. They should
also check for signs of fluids exuding from one or both nipples; the fluid could be bloody,
yellowish, milky, or watery. Alternatively, one is advised to report any abnormal findings to their
primary care provider, such as breasts that are not their usual color, shape, or size. One can also
look for bulging, puckering, and dimpling of the skin, signs of an inverted nipple, and breast
swelling, rash, soreness, or redness (Breastcancer.org, n.d.).

Slide 6: References

Breastcancer.org. (n.d.). Breast self-exam. https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/breast-
self-exam-bse
Huang, N., et al. (2022). The efficacy of clinical breast exams and breast self-exams in detecting
malignancy or positive ultrasound findings. Cureus, 14(2). doi: 10.7759/cureus.22464
Novita, G., et al. (2019). Breast diseases: An evidence-based pocket guide. Springer Nature.