As the name implies, it is the self evaluation of ones breast with the aid of the *eyes for inspection* and the *use of the flat pad of the fingertips held together for palpation*
Most women experiences increased tenderness and lumpiness in their breast before their menstrual period, therefore *BSE* is best performed 5 - 7 days after menses counting the 1st day of menstrual bleeding as day 1.
*BENEFITS OF BSE*
It helps to be familiar with ones breasts in respect to the shape, colour, size and symmetry which can help in early detection of abnormalities in the breasts.
*STEPS TO PERFORM BSE*
*STEP 1.*
*1* . Stand in front of a mirror.
*2.* Check both breasts for anything unusual.
*3* . Look for discharge from the nipple, puckering, dimpling, or scaling of the skin.
The next two steps are done to check for any changes in the contour of your breasts. As you do them, you should be able to feel your muscles tighten.
*STEP 2.*
*1* . Watch closely in the mirror as you clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.
*2* . Note any change in the contour of your breasts.
*STEP 3*
*1* . Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bow slightly toward the mirror pull your shoulders and elbows forward.
*2* . Note any change in the contour of your breasts.
Some women do the next part of the examination in the shower. Your fingers will glide easily over soapy skin, so you can concentrate on feeling for changes inside the breast.
*STEP 4*
*1* . Raise your left arm.
*2* . Use three or four fingers of your right hand to feel your left breast firmly, carefully, and thoroughly.
*3* . Beginning at the outer edge, press the flat part of your fingers in small circles, moving the circles slowly around the breast.
*4* . Gradually work toward the nipple.
*5* . Be sure to cover the whole breast.
*6* . Pay special attention to the area between the breast and the underarm, including the underarm itself.
*7* . Feel for any unusual lumps or masses under the skin.
*8* . If you have any spontaneous discharge during the month, whether or not it is during your *BSE* *see* *your doctor* Repeat the examimnation on your right breast.
*STEP 5*
*1* . Step 4 should be repeated lying down.
*2* . Lie flat on your back with your left arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder. (This position flattens your breast and makes it easier to check.)
*3* . Use the same circular motion described above.
*4.* Repeat on your right breast
America Cancer society recommends that women, beginning in the early 20's be told the benefits and limitations of *BSE* . It is then up to the individual to perform *BSE* regularly, irregularly or not at all.
Wow, so informative, I never knew the nipples on the breast discharges fluid even when not pregnant. But here's what I knew. And it's that Milk is produced in milk-secreting cells in the alveoli. When the breasts are stimulated by the suckling of her baby, the mother's brain secretes oxytocin. High levels of oxytocin trigger the contraction of muscle cells surrounding the alveoli, causing milk to flow along the ducts that connect the alveoli to the nipple. Is this correct?