BSE

by Cheng-Ling Chen — October 30, 2007

Getting tested regularly for breast cancer is the best way to lower risk of dying from the disease, and testing should start with the monthly breast self-exam (BSE). A quick primer in five steps:

Step 1: Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Check that breasts are their usual size, shape, and color. Time to call the doctor if you see the following: dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin; a nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead of sticking out); redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

Step 2: Repeat Step 1 but with your arms raised.

Step 3: Gently squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge, such as milky or yellow fluid or blood.

Step 4: Lying down, feel your breasts, using your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Be sure to cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side--from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Begin with a soft touch and increase pressure as you go along to feel the deeper tissue.

Step 5: Finally, repeat Step 4 while standing or sitting. Might be easy to do this in the shower when the skin is wet and slippery.

Okay, I am thinking this sounds easy enough, very doable. Thing is I always forget to do it. Amidst the million things I have going on, months pass before I realize I've forgotten all about the BSE. Here are a few ways that help me remember:

• Do BSE at the same time every month. They say the right time is the few days after the period. So when Flo leaves town, it's time to welcome BSE.
• Pencil it in. Do it now. Get out your calendar (or Blackberry or plannermajigger) and draw a little ribbon on the same day every month as a reminder.
• Get your partner to help you remember. Seems like they would have every incentive to help with this one.

Do any of you gals out there have creative ways of remembering to do the BSE? Please share!