Breast self-examination (BSE) involves women looking for lumps or changes in their breasts by sight and touch to detect breast cancer early. BSE should be performed monthly, particularly after menstruation. Regular BSE allows women to familiarize themselves with their breasts and identify any new changes, improving early detection. While lack of confidence can deter BSE, recommendations include all women over 20 performing monthly BSE and regular clinical exams/mammograms depending on age to screen for breast cancer. Proper technique involves visual inspection in front of a mirror with various arm positions followed by systematic circular palpation of each breast in different positions.

1. BREAST SELF
EXAMINATION
Malabika Nag
Susmita Halder
Sister Tutor
School of Nursing
Asia Heart Foundation

2. Definition
Breast self Examination is a screening method used in an
attempt to detect early breast cancer.The method involves
the woman herself looking at and feeling each breast for
possible lump , distortions or swelling.

3. Advantages
1.Women can use BSE to their breast when they perform
BSE properly or regularly ,they can find any changes in
their breast and seek further evaluation.
2.Examination should be done every month and at the end
of the menses in all menstruating women.
3.Early detection of any abnormalities in the breast and
visit with the doctor.

4. Barriers of BSE
The major barrier to do BSE is the lack of confidence.

5. Recommendation
1.All women age 20 yes or older perform BSE on a monthly basis .
Begining in their 20's , women should be told about the benefits and
limitation of BSC.
2.All women ages 20-39 should have clinical examination every 3 years
preferably be part of a periodic health examination.
3.All women ages 40 years and older have regular (every 1 to 2 years)
mammograms.
4.Asymptomatic Women ages 40 and older should continue to receive
clinical breast examination preferably be part of a periodic health
examination annually.
5.Screening decisions for older women should be individualized by
considering the potential benefits and risks of mammography in the
context of the current health status and estimated expectancy.

6. Identifying client at risk
1.Altered body structure or function due to trauma, pregnancy,
recent child birth, anatomical abnormalities of genitals or
disease.
2.Physical , Psychological, emotional or sexual abuse,sexual
assult.
3.Disfiguring conditions,such as burns ,skin conditions ,
mastectomy.
4.Lack of knowledge or misinformation about sexual
functioning.
5.Loss of partner.

7. Physical assessment findings
in a healthy adult

8. Steps in breast self
Examination
1.Inspection: Infront of mirror
2.Palpation: Lying position and standing or sitting
position.

9. Inspection Infront of a mirror
1.Stand and face a mirror
With your arms relaxed at
Your sides or arms resting
On your hips,then turn to
the right and left for a side
View look.(look for any
Flattening in the side view)

10. 2.Bend forward from the waist
With arms raised overhead.
3.Stand straight with arms
raised over the head and moves
the arm slowly up and down at
the sides.(look for free movement
of breast over the chest wall)
4.Press your arm firmly together at
the chin level while the elbows are
raised to shoulder level.

11. Palpation: Lying position

12. 4.Use circular motions systemically all the way around
the breasts as many time as necessary
Untill the entire breast is covered.
5.Bring your arm down to your side and feel under your
armpit, where breast tissues are also located.
6.Repeat the exam on your left breast using the right
finger tips of your right hand.

13. Palpation: Standing or Sitting
1.Repeat the examination of
both breast while upright with
one arm behind your head.This
position makes it easier to
Check the upper part of the
breast and towards the armpit.
2.Do the upright BSE in the
shower .Soapy hands glide
more easily over when wet.
3.Report any changes to your
health care provider.

14. Points to be remember
1.Do your BSE at the end of your monthly period.
2.If you are pregnant, no longer have period or your
period is irregular, choose a specific day each
month.
3.If you find a lump or notice other unusual
changes.Dont panic.About 80% of lumps found are
not cancerous.visit to your doctor promptly for
further evaluation.

15. THANK YOU