BREAST SELF EXAMINATION

Fig: Symptons of Breast Cancer

Now a days, breast cancer has been one of the most common cancer in female. Usually the person may herself can do the self examination. Breast self-examination (BSE) plays a major role in early detection and intervention of breast carcinoma.

Done after 5-7 days after menstration in menstruating women

Those who are in menopausal stage done montly at the same date.

Risk Factors:-

1. Advancing age
2. Family history of breast cancer
3. Hormonal influences
• Early menarche (<12years) and Late menopause (>55years)
• Number of Pregnancies  (higher number is protective)
• Age at 1^st Pregnancy (>30 years)
• Oral contraceptive use
4. Radiations
5. Diet
• Alcohol
• Saturated fat
• Obesity in postmenopausal women (increases the risk)
•  Soya, phytoestrogens are protective

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Complains:- 

1. Redness, swelling, skin irritation or rash on breast
2. Breast pain
3. Hard lump
4. Enlargement of one breast
5. Change in shape of nipple
6. Indrawing of the nipple
7. Nipple discharge – clear, red, brown or yellow
8. Dimpling of skin
9. Enlarge lymph node in armpit

Procedure done for Breast Self Examination (BSE):-

1. Examine your both breasts.
2. Should be done in lying down position with arm raised with a mattress support behind.
3. Palpate using the fingers over all quadrants of the breast in clock or anticlockwise. (4 quadrant – Upper Outer, Upper Inner, Lower Outer and Lower Inner)
4. If any swelling is palpable, consult the doctors.
5. American Cancer Society recommends monthly BSE after 20 years of age.
6. Nursing mother should perform BSE just after feeding the baby.

                             
                                                         Breast Self Examination
                                     

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