Dr Dimple Doshi

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Self-Examination of Breasts: A Simple Habit That Can Save Your Life

Self-Examination of Breasts

Introduction

Many women ignore small breast changes because they are painless or feel “normal.” Yet breast cancer is now the most common cancer in women worldwide. According to WHO (2020), 2.3 million women were diagnosed and 6.85 lakh deaths were reported in one year alone. Breast self-examination (BSE) is a simple monthly habit that helps you know your own body and detect changes early—when treatment and cure rates are excellent.

What is breast self-examination (BSE)?

Breast self-examination is a method where you examine your own breasts to detect lumps, swelling, or changes early.

  • A self-screening technique done by you at home

  • Involves:

    • Looking at your breasts

    • Feeling them with your fingers

  • Helps detect:

    • Lumps

    • Skin changes

    • Nipple discharge

  • Early-stage breast cancer has a very good prognosis and high cure rate

Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
In my clinical experience, women who do regular self-exams often detect changes much earlier than expected.

Regular breast self-examination helps detect breast cancer early, improving treatment success and survival rates.

  • Helps you understand what is normal for your breasts

  • Makes it easier to notice new or unusual changes

  • Early detection means:

    • Less extensive treatment

    • Better cosmetic outcomes

    • Higher chances of complete cure

  • Especially useful for younger women who may not yet need mammography

Visual breast examination involves checking for skin changes, swelling, redness, or nipple changes in front of a mirror.

  • Stand in front of a mirror

  • Observe breasts in different positions:

    • Arms relaxed by your side

    • Arms raised behind your head

    • Hands pressed on your waist

  • Look for:

    • Dimpling or puckering of skin

    • Swelling or redness

    • Change in size or shape

    • Nipple inversion or discharge

Breast palpation is done using finger pads to feel the entire breast tissue, including the area near the armpit.

  • Use the pads of your fingers, not fingertips

  • Apply gentle to moderate pressure

  • Cover the entire breast using any one method:

    • Vertical strip pattern: Move fingers up and down

    • Circular pattern: Small circles from nipple outward

    • Wedge pattern: From nipple towards the outer breast

  • You may also divide the breast into four quadrants

  • Always examine:

    • Whole breast

    • Axillary tail (breast tissue extending into the armpit)

Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Choose one pattern and follow it every month—consistency matters more than the technique.

Yes, nipples should be gently pressed to check for any abnormal discharge or changes.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Gently press each nipple

  • Look for discharge such as:

    • Blood

    • Pus

    • Clear fluid

    • Milk (if not breastfeeding)

  • Report any spontaneous or bloody discharge immediately

The best time for breast self-examination is just after menstruation, when breasts are soft and less tender.

  • Ideal time: 5–7 days after periods

  • For women with irregular cycles:

    • Choose a fixed date every month

  • Can be done:

    • Standing

    • Lying down

    • During a shower (wet skin makes palpation easier)

  • Takes only 7–10 minutes

Breast cancer risk increases due to genetics, lifestyle factors, hormonal exposure, and certain reproductive patterns.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Family history of breast cancer

    • Especially BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations

  • Obesity

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Hormone replacement therapy

  • Early onset of menstruation

  • Late childbirth or no childbirth

  • Little or no breastfeeding

  • Past history of breast cancer

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Radiation exposure

Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Even without risk factors, breast cancer can occur—self-examination is important for every woman.

Q1. Is breast self-examination enough to detect cancer?

Ans. It is a screening tool, not a replacement for clinical exams or mammography.

Q2. Does every breast lump mean cancer?

Ans. No. Many lumps are benign, but every lump should be evaluated.

Q3. At what age should I start BSE?

Ans. From early adulthood—ideally after 20 years of age.

Q4. Is breast pain a sign of cancer?

Ans. Usually no, but persistent pain should be checked.

Q5. Should pregnant or breastfeeding women do BSE?

Ans. Yes, though breasts change—any unusual lump should be examined.

Conclusion

Breast self-examination is a simple, free, and powerful habit that puts your health in your own hands. When breast cancer is detected early, outcomes are excellent and lives are saved.

In my practice at Vardaan Hospital, Goregaon West, Mumbai, I always encourage women to combine monthly self-examination with regular clinical check-ups. Knowing your body is not fear—it is self-care, awareness, and empowerment.

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