 Health Information: Breast Health
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Three-tiered approach to breast health
When you hear about the incidence of breast cancer and its related
deaths, you also usually hear how important mammograms are in finding
cancers at the earliest stages. Indeed, it’s an important
part of detection, but another important detection method is often
overlooked—breast self-exam or “BSE.” Those of
us fortunate enough to have health insurance and regular providers
more than likely have never been told about the importance of BSE
or even shown the proper method of doing this potentially lifesaving
procedure.
The American Cancer Society and all breast cancer related advocacy
groups recommend the “Triple Touch” or “the ABCs
of breast health” which include:
- A screening mammogram – baseline by 40, then yearly thereafter;
- Breast
self-exam - every month for women age 20 and over;
- Clinical breast
exam – every 3 years, ages 20-39, yearly
after age 40.
About breast self-exam
Remember these key points when performing breast self-exam:
- Menstruation and hormonal problems will affect the “feel” of
your breasts.
- All breasts have some lumpiness since they are
made of fatty tissue, glands and ducts. Some women have fibrocystic
breasts
and others
have dense breasts— that’s why it’s important
to know what is “normal” for YOU so you can recognize
changes.
- BSE should be done both lying down and standing up. It’s
important to use a mirror to note visual changes in the breast
as well.
- Use the pads of your three middle fingers, and three
levels of pressure.
- BSE includes not only the breast tissue
but the area from the breastbone to the collarbone, and the
armpit to the bra line.
Specially-trained nurses at the Women’s Health Center can
provide you with diagrams and instructions to help you do BSE properly.
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