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Questions and Answers
What is the recommended position for performing a breast examination?
What is the recommended position for performing a breast examination?
Which of the following patterns is NOT mentioned as an examination pattern for breast self-examination?
Which of the following patterns is NOT mentioned as an examination pattern for breast self-examination?
What type of pressure should be used when performing a breast examination?
What type of pressure should be used when performing a breast examination?
When is the best time to perform a breast self-examination after menstruation?
When is the best time to perform a breast self-examination after menstruation?
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How often should a breast self-examination be conducted according to the guidelines?
How often should a breast self-examination be conducted according to the guidelines?
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Why might a woman be advised to start breast self-examination at the age of 20?
Why might a woman be advised to start breast self-examination at the age of 20?
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What is emphasized about the feel of breast tissue during a self-examination?
What is emphasized about the feel of breast tissue during a self-examination?
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Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when planning a breast self-examination?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when planning a breast self-examination?
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What is the primary reason for performing monthly breast self-exams?
What is the primary reason for performing monthly breast self-exams?
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Which method is NOT part of the three-pronged approach to detect breast cancer?
Which method is NOT part of the three-pronged approach to detect breast cancer?
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When is the most effective time for women older than 20 years to perform breast self-examinations?
When is the most effective time for women older than 20 years to perform breast self-examinations?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a requirement for performing a breast self-examination?
Which of the following is NOT considered a requirement for performing a breast self-examination?
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What key aspect does the seven Ps method of breast self-examination emphasize?
What key aspect does the seven Ps method of breast self-examination emphasize?
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How long should a breast self-examination typically take?
How long should a breast self-examination typically take?
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What benefit is provided by knowing how the breasts normally feel?
What benefit is provided by knowing how the breasts normally feel?
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After menopause, how should breast self-exams be scheduled?
After menopause, how should breast self-exams be scheduled?
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What should you look for during the general visual exam of the breasts?
What should you look for during the general visual exam of the breasts?
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Which of the following is NOT a sign to report to your doctor during a breast self-exam?
Which of the following is NOT a sign to report to your doctor during a breast self-exam?
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What type of pressure should be applied during the breast self-exam?
What type of pressure should be applied during the breast self-exam?
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During which step of the breast self-exam do you examine for fluid discharge from the nipples?
During which step of the breast self-exam do you examine for fluid discharge from the nipples?
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What should be done if unusual lumps or bumps are felt during the touch exam?
What should be done if unusual lumps or bumps are felt during the touch exam?
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How should one properly position themselves for the first step of the breast self-exam?
How should one properly position themselves for the first step of the breast self-exam?
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What technique should be used to feel the breast tissue effectively?
What technique should be used to feel the breast tissue effectively?
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What does examining the area under the arms for lymph nodes involve?
What does examining the area under the arms for lymph nodes involve?
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What should be the primary focus when using finger pads to examine the breast?
What should be the primary focus when using finger pads to examine the breast?
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What is the suggested pattern for examining the breast?
What is the suggested pattern for examining the breast?
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When examining the breast, how should the pressure be adjusted at different depths?
When examining the breast, how should the pressure be adjusted at different depths?
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What method is suggested for many women to feel their breasts more effectively?
What method is suggested for many women to feel their breasts more effectively?
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What is a recommended practice to help alleviate anxiety related to breast self-examination?
What is a recommended practice to help alleviate anxiety related to breast self-examination?
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What should be done if any unusual changes are noticed during the breast self-exam?
What should be done if any unusual changes are noticed during the breast self-exam?
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What is the purpose of an annual clinical exam and mammogram?
What is the purpose of an annual clinical exam and mammogram?
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What is a common mistake to avoid during the breast self-exam?
What is a common mistake to avoid during the breast self-exam?
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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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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.
