MONTHLY (BSE)

Breast Self-Exam for Her!

Check your breasts the same day every month.
Check yourself a week after your period starts when swelling and sensitivity are less.

1. Check your breasts in front of a mirror for any symtoms or abnormalities.

2. Check your nipples carefully, lumps may be found behind the nipple.

3. In a sitting or standing position, use the pads of the three middle fingers – examine using light, medium, and deep pressure. (See step 4, for the area to be examined)

4. Examining starts at the collarbone and continues down and up the entire breast in a vertical pattern.

5. Position yourself in bed which leads to a more even distribution of your breast tissue. Repeat step 3 and 4.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt).
  • Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel).
  • Breast or nipple pain.
  • Nipple retraction (turning inward).
  • Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
  • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).

Breast Self-Exam for Him!

Check your breasts the same day every month.
The best time to perform a male breast self exam is during or right after a warm shower or bath as warm, soapy water relaxes and smoothes the skin, making the exam easier to perform.

1. Check your breasts in front of a mirror for any symtoms or abnormalities.

2. Examine the nipple, most men find their lumps under the nipple.

3. In a sitting or standing position, use the pads of the three middle fingers – examine using light, medium, and deep pressure. (See step 4, for the area to be examined)

4. Examining starts at the collarbone and continues down and up the entire breast in a vertical pattern.

5. Position yourself in bed which leads to a more even distribution of your breast tissue. Repeat step 3 and 4.

Signs and Symptoms

  • A painless lump or thickening in your breast tissue.
  • Changes to the skin covering your breast, such as dimpling, wrinkling, redness, or scaling.
  • Changes to your nipple, such as redness or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward.
  • Discharge from your nipple