Breast Self-Examination Guide
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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended position for performing a breast examination?

  • Lying down with a pillow under one shoulder (correct)
  • Standing up with arms raised
  • Lying flat with no support
  • Sitting in a chair

Which of the following patterns is NOT mentioned as an examination pattern for breast self-examination?

  • Vertical strip pattern
  • Random pattern (correct)
  • Pie-wedge pattern
  • Circular pattern

What type of pressure should be used when performing a breast examination?

  • All of light, moderate, and firm pressure (correct)
  • Only firm pressure
  • No pressure at all
  • Only light pressure

When is the best time to perform a breast self-examination after menstruation?

<p>One week after your period (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How often should a breast self-examination be conducted according to the guidelines?

<p>Once a month (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might a woman be advised to start breast self-examination at the age of 20?

<p>To establish a regular habit early on (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized about the feel of breast tissue during a self-examination?

<p>Becoming familiar with it helps recognize changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when planning a breast self-examination?

<p>Doing it shortly before bed each night (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for performing monthly breast self-exams?

<p>To detect lumps and changes that could indicate cancer. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT part of the three-pronged approach to detect breast cancer?

<p>Ultrasound imaging (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is the most effective time for women older than 20 years to perform breast self-examinations?

<p>One week after their menstrual period starts. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a requirement for performing a breast self-examination?

<p>A healthcare professional present (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect does the seven Ps method of breast self-examination emphasize?

<p>Inspecting and palpating the breasts from various positions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long should a breast self-examination typically take?

<p>15 minutes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What benefit is provided by knowing how the breasts normally feel?

<p>It allows the identification of changes indicating potential issues. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After menopause, how should breast self-exams be scheduled?

<p>On the same day each month of the woman's choosing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you look for during the general visual exam of the breasts?

<p>Changes in symmetry, contour, and overall texture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a sign to report to your doctor during a breast self-exam?

<p>Breasts that appear unusually larger than before (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pressure should be applied during the breast self-exam?

<p>Medium pressure followed by firm pressure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which step of the breast self-exam do you examine for fluid discharge from the nipples?

<p>Step 3 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if unusual lumps or bumps are felt during the touch exam?

<p>Bring them to your doctor's attention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should one properly position themselves for the first step of the breast self-exam?

<p>With shoulders straight and arms on hips (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique should be used to feel the breast tissue effectively?

<p>Make overlapping circles with fingertip pads (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does examining the area under the arms for lymph nodes involve?

<p>Feeling for unusual lumps, bumps, and thickenings (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary focus when using finger pads to examine the breast?

<p>To keep the fingers flat and together while using a firm, smooth touch (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested pattern for examining the breast?

<p>Vertical up-and-down rows, like mowing a lawn (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When examining the breast, how should the pressure be adjusted at different depths?

<p>Light pressure for superficial tissue, medium pressure for mid-tissue, and firm pressure for deep tissue (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method is suggested for many women to feel their breasts more effectively?

<p>Examining while standing or sitting with wet and slippery skin in the shower (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to help alleviate anxiety related to breast self-examination?

<p>Mark your calendar for regular breast self-exams (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if any unusual changes are noticed during the breast self-exam?

<p>Log the changes and schedule a follow-up consultation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an annual clinical exam and mammogram?

<p>To ensure continued breast health and detect possible issues early (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common mistake to avoid during the breast self-exam?

<p>Being too tense, which may lead to misinterpreting normal tissue as something worrisome (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

A method for detecting breast abnormalities, including lumps or swelling, by visually inspecting and manually feeling the breasts.

Frequency of BSE

Women over 20 should perform BSE monthly, usually 1 week after their period starts. Post-menopausal women should choose a consistent day each month.

BSE Benefits

Early detection of breast cancer through BSE can lead to better treatment outcomes and higher chances of successful breast preservation. This is as important as early detection for any form of cancer.

BSE Components

BSE involves both visual inspection, observing the breasts for changes in shape or texture, and manual palpation, feeling the breasts for any unusual lumps or thicknesses, in various positions.

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Visual inspection (BSE)

Looking at your breasts (with and without a mirror) to detect changes in size, shape or texture, including lumps and thicknesses.

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Manual Palpation (BSE)

Using your hands to feel your breasts for abnormalities, especially in different positions (standing and reclining).

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Seven Ps of BSE

A systematized method of performing a breast self-exam, focusing on specific steps and techniques to enhance examination thoroughness.

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Importance of BSE

Self-examination plays a crucial role in early breast cancer detection, making it a vital screening tool, complementing mammograms and clinical breast exams.

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Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Position

Lie down, first with a pillow under one shoulder, then the other, and finally flat.

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BSE Examination Perimeter

Examine the entire breast, including nipple, armpit (axillary tail), and nearby lymph nodes.

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BSE Palpation Technique

Use the pads of your fingers to feel the breast tissue, without lifting fingers during movement.

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BSE Pressure Variation

Palpate with light, moderate, and firm pressure to feel different breast layers.

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BSE Examination Patterns

Choose a comfortable pattern: vertical strips, pie wedges, or circles, moving from the nipple outward. Palpate axilla.

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BSE Timing to Start

Begin breast self-exams at age 20 or older.

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BSE Timing for Exam

Do BSE a week after your menstrual period for least breast swelling and tenderness.

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BSE Tools for Exam

Use your fingertips to examine your breast tissue.

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BSE Circular Motion

Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter, to cover the entire breast.

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BSE Coverage Area

Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side - from your collarbone to your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

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BSE Pattern

Follow a pattern to ensure you cover the entire breast, starting at the nipple and moving outward.

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BSE Pressure Levels

Use light pressure for the skin and tissue beneath, medium pressure for the middle of the breast, and firm pressure for the deep tissue near your ribcage.

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BSE Shower Technique

Many women find it easier to perform BSE in the shower, using the same hand movements described in Step 4, because the skin is wet and slippery.

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BSE Nipple Check

Press on the nipple between your fingers to feel for any lumps or changes.

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BSE Calendar Reminder

Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly, preventing worry if you find normal changes.

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BSE Relaxation

Stay relaxed and breathe normally during BSE to avoid creating tensions that could be mistaken for abnormalities.

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BSE Steps: Visual

Looking at your breasts for changes in size, shape, color, texture, dimpling, scaling, redness, sores, nipple discharge, and inversion.

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BSE Steps: Touch

Feeling your breasts for lumps, bumps, thickenings, tenderness, and enlarged lymph nodes in the breasts, armpits, collarbone, and chest.

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BSE Step 1: Mirror, Arms Down

Looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips, checking for changes in size, shape, color, and texture.

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BSE Step 2: Mirror, Arms Up

Raising your arms to look for the same changes in your breasts as in Step 1, focusing on visible distortion or swelling.

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BSE Step 3: Nipple Discharge

Checking for any fluid coming out of one or both nipples, noting its color and consistency.

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BSE Step 4: Lying Down, Palpation

Feeling your breasts while lying down, using your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa, using firm pressure in small circles.

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BSE: Importance

BSE is a vital tool for early detection of breast cancer, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes and higher chances of successful breast preservation.

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BSE: When to Perform

Women over 20 should perform BSE monthly, usually 1 week after their period starts. Post-menopausal women should choose a consistent day each month.

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Study Notes

Breast Self-Examination

  • Monthly breast self-exams are crucial for early detection of breast cancer.
  • Visual and manual inspection is needed. Visual includes inspecting changes in contour or texture in a mirror, both with and without a mirror. Manual inspection should be performed in standing and reclining positions to check for unusual lumps or thicknesses.
  • Early detection is key to successful treatment: 90% of breast lumps and just under half of all breast cancers are discovered by women or their partners.
  • The method involves self-examination for abnormalities.
  • Breast self-exams are non-invasive and can be performed between other imaging tests.
  • The purpose of a breast self-exam (BSE) is to understand the topography of the breasts and to recognize any changes in the future.

Time of Performing BSE

  • Women older than 20 should perform a BSE on a regular monthly basis, ideally one week after the start of their menstrual cycle.
  • After menopause, BSE should be performed on the same day each month, chosen by the woman for ease of remembering.
  • Time required is about 15 minutes.

BSE Equipment

  • A mirror
  • A pillow for the head and shoulders
  • Privacy

The Seven Ps of BSE

  • Position: Visual inspection and palpation of the breasts in various positions, starting with standing with arms in various positions and lying down
  • Perimeter: Examine the entire breast including nipple, tail extending towards armpit, and nearby lymph nodes.
  • Palpation: Use pads of fingers to palpate the breast tissue without lifting fingers.
  • Pressure: Examine varying pressures, starting with light, then medium, and finally firm pressure.
  • Pattern: Use a comfortable pattern. Vertical strip pattern (up and down) or circular patterns, starting at the nipple and expanding outward.
  • Practice: Practice to become familiar with the feel of the breast tissue to recognize any changes.
  • Plan: Understand what to do if irregularities are identified. Should be aware of family history of breast cancer and have mammography done as recommended by healthcare providers.

Instructions before doing a BSE

  • Start checking your breasts from age 20.
  • Mark your calendar to do BSE regularly, on the same day of each month. This is an effective method.
  • If you are pregnant or menopausal, do BSE on the same day each month.
  • Use fingertips to examine the breast.
  • Use three types of pressure during BSE--light, medium and firm--to fully examine all breast tissue.
  • Examine the breast area with up and down lines to fully cover the entire area.
  • Use different circular patterns to examine the breast and armpit tissue.
  • Ensure to follow the same steps each time

Tips for Doing Your BSE

  • Mark a calendar to remember to do your BSE regularly.
  • Stay relaxed while performing the exam.
  • Report any changes immediately to a healthcare provider.
  • Have an annual clinical breast exam and mammogram.

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Related Documents

Breast Self-Examination Guide PDF

Description

This quiz covers the essential techniques and importance of monthly breast self-examinations (BSE) for early detection of breast cancer. Learn about the visual and manual inspection methods, optimal timing for BSE, and the significance of recognizing changes in breast topography. Test your knowledge to enhance your breast health awareness.

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