Many women worry about changes in their breast density during menstruation. Actually, during menstruation, it is normal for the breasts to feel tighter and denser. But you need to pay attention to abnormal changes, this could be a sign of certain diseases such as tumors or breast cancer.
Checking for lumps in the breast does not always require going to the doctor. You can do the breast self-examination (BSE) method at home. Women are recommended to have this examination every 1 month to detect changes in breast size, texture, and shape from time to time.
What Is The Benefit Of BSE?
BSE can be done routinely at home without any tools. This examination is useful for women to recognize unusual breast changes. This examination can be used as an early detection to prevent breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer with the highest number of cases, and is one of the leading causes of cancer death. Many women only realize it when it has entered an advanced stage. So this examination is beneficial for women because the earlier the presence of cancer cells is detected, the bigger hope of recovery from breast cancer.
How To Do BSE?
BSE should not be done during menstruation. At this time, hormones are fluctuating causing the breasts to tighten. So the examination at this time will cause bias. It is recommended, to do the examination around 7-10 days after the menstrual period ends.
The following are the steps to do BSE :
- Stand up straight. Watch for changes in the shape and surface of the breast skin, swelling, and/or changes in the nipples. The shape of the right and left breasts are not symmetrical? Don't worry, it's normal.
- Lift your arms up, bend your elbows and place your hands behind your head. push your elbows forward and look at your breasts, and push your elbows back and look at the shape and size of your breast.
- Place your hands on your waist, lean your shoulders forward so your breasts hang down, and push your elbows forward, then tighten (contract) your chest muscles.
- Lift your left arm up, and bend your elbow so that your left-hand holds the top of your back. Using the fingertips of the right hand, touch and press the breast area, and observe all parts of the left breast to the armpit area. Perform up-down movements, circular movements, and straight movements from the edge of the breast to the nipple, and vice versa. Repeat the same movement on your right breast.
- Pinch both nipples. Observe if there is fluid coming out of the nipple. Consult a doctor if this happens.
- In a lying position, place a pillow under your right shoulder. Lift your arms up. Observe the right breast and do the three-movement patterns as before. Using the tips of your fingers, press the entire breast up to around the armpit.
What If There Is A Lump In The Breast?
Most of the lumps found on the breast do not lead to serious illness. Only 1 in 10 cases of lumps are cancerous. However, you should immediately consult a doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms after performing BSE :
- There is a hard lump in the breast or armpit
- There is a visible change in the surface of the skin of the breast, such as the skin becomes wrinkled or there is an impression on the breast
- There is a change in the size and shape of the breasts, especially when you lift your breasts or move your arms
- There are fluids that discharge from the nipple, but not breast milk
- Bleeding from the nipple
- There are parts of the nipples that turn red and become damp and don't turn back into their original shape
- Nipples change shape, for example to go inwards
- There is a rash around the nipples
- There is ongoing pain or discomfort in the breast
What Should We Do To Prevent Breast Cancer?
You can prevent breast cancer by doing the following tips :
- Maintain ideal body weight
- Do exercise regularly
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol drinks
- Eat healthy food
In addition after doing BSE, you can check with a doctor if you are worried when you find a lump in the breast area. Immediately consult your complaints with experienced doctors at Fitie.