Sexuality and Sexual Health - Breast Examinations

Sexuality and Sexual Health - Breast Examinations

It is important to have monthly breast self-examination (BSE) to help identify changes or abnormalities which may lead to the early detection of breast cancer. If you have a sexual partner they may feel an lump in your breast. It is always a good idea to get a lump checked by the doctor.

The best time to examine your breasts is a couple of days after the end of your period, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.

If you do not have periods, choose a day you will remember such as the first day of each month, to remind yourself that you need to perform a BSE.

Choose whichever of the following methods is most comfortable for you:

First take a good look at your breasts

Undress from the waist up and stand in front of the mirror
Place your hands at your sides
Look carefully for changes in size, shape and contour of each breast
Look for puckering, dimpling or changes in skin texture or any changes to your nipples
Repeat the above steps with your hands on your hips and then above your head

Feel your breasts

You may like to do this lying down with a pillow under the same shoulder as the breast being examined, or standing up in the shower.

In either position

Raise your arm above your head
With fingers flat, press firmly on your left breast with your right hand moving the skin over your breast in a gentle rotating movement
Start at the collar bone and spiral in toward the nipple
Examine every part of the breast including your armpit. (This area is breast tissue too.) Look and feel for any lumps, thickening or other changes from previous examinations
Gently squeeze your nipple, looking for any discharge
Repeat the process, using your left hand to examine your right breast.

If you notice anything unusual in your monthly checks, see your doctor. Keep in mind that most breast lumps or other changes are not cancer. However, your doctor will probably want to examine your breasts and possibly order tests to determine whether you have breast cancer.