Breast Self-Examination: A Simple Routine You Should Practice Regularly

Posted in Breast Stories   |   By Yasmin S.

Taking care of your breast health is an essential part of overall wellness. Regular breast self-examinations (BSE) can help you detect any unusual changes early, which could be crucial for successful treatment if needed. The good news? It’s simple, takes just a few minutes, and empowers you to understand your body better.

Why Breast Self-Examinations Matter

Many breast changes are benign, but some could indicate more serious issues. Practicing self-examination monthly helps you become familiar with the normal feel and look of your breasts, making it easier to notice any abnormalities such as lumps, thickening, or changes in size and shape. Early detection saves lives.

When to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

The best time to do a breast self-exam is a few days after your menstrual period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you are no longer menstruating, choose a consistent day each month for your routine.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

1. Look in the Mirror: Stand with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Check for changes in size, shape, and color. Look for visible distortion or swelling.
2. Raise Your Arms: Raise your arms and look for the same changes.
3. Look for Signs of Fluid: Check for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples.
4. Feel While Lying Down: Use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers of your hand, keeping them flat and together. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side.
5. Feel While Standing or Sitting: Many women find it easiest to do this step in the shower. Cover your entire breast using the same hand movements described above.

If you notice anything unusual, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a professional evaluation.

Support Your Breast Health Naturally

In addition to regular self-exams, nourishing your body and skin can make a big difference in maintaining breast health and beauty. At Stherb, we are committed to empowering women with natural care. Our Stherb Breast Care products, enriched with the powerful benefits of Pueraria Mirifica, are expertly formulated to help promote firmness, elasticity, and overall wellness. Incorporating these products into your routine is an easy, effective way to enhance your self-care practice — because your confidence starts with how you care for yourself.

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References

Hackshaw, A. K., Paul, E. A., & Baum, M. (2003). Is the timely detection of breast cancer by breast self-examination still beneficial? Journal of Medical Screening, 10(3), 123–126. https://doi.org/10.1258/096914103770576683

Abdulkadir, M. B., Bello, M., Hassan, M. B., & Alhaji, M. A. (2022). Breast self-examination: Knowledge and practice among female health workers in a tertiary health institution in Northern Nigeria. BMC Women’s Health, 22(1), 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-01748-4

Cherdshewasart, W., Traisup, V., & Picha, P. (2008). Estrogenic and antioxidant activities of the extracts from the tuberous root of Pueraria mirifica. Fitoterapia, 79(7–8), 509–514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2008.07.006