Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, including India. According to recent studies, the number of breast cancer cases in Maharashtra and across India has been increasing every year. The good news is that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. One of the easiest and most effective ways to become familiar with your breast health is by performing a Self Breast Examination (SBE).
Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune believes that every woman should know how to examine her breasts regularly. Self Breast Examination helps women recognize normal breast tissue and identify any unusual changes at an early stage. Although it does not replace mammography or clinical breast examination, it plays an important role in breast cancer awareness and early detection.
What is a Self Breast Examination?
A Self Breast Examination (SBE) is a simple method of checking your own breasts for any unusual lumps, swelling, skin changes, or nipple abnormalities. It only takes about 5 to 10 minutes every month and can help you notice changes that should be evaluated by a breast cancer specialist.
Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune encourages women across Pune, Maharashtra, and India to include breast self-examination as part of their monthly health routine.
Why is Self Breast Examination Important?
Regular self-examination helps women:
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Become familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts.
• Detect breast lumps early.
• Notice changes in breast size or shape.
• Identify skin changes before they become serious.
• Recognize nipple discharge or nipple inversion.
• Improve breast cancer awareness.
• Seek medical consultation promptly when changes are noticed.
Early diagnosis often means simpler treatment options and better survival outcomes.
When Should You Perform a Self Breast Examination?
The ideal time depends on your menstrual cycle.
For Women Who Have Periods
Perform the examination about 5 to 7 days after your menstrual period ends. During this time, breasts are less swollen and less tender.
For Women After Menopause
Choose the same date every month, such as the first day of every month.
During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Breast changes are common, but regular self-examination is still important. Consult Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune if you notice any unusual lump or persistent change.
How Often Should You Perform a Self Breast Examination?
Experts recommend performing a Self Breast Examination once every month.
Monthly examinations help you recognize your normal breast tissue, making it easier to notice new changes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Self Breast Examination
Step 1: Look at Your Breasts in the Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms relaxed by your sides.
Look for:
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Changes in breast size.
• Difference in breast shape.
• Swelling.
• Skin dimpling.
• Redness.
• Skin thickening.
• Nipple inversion.
• Rash around the nipple.
• Visible lumps.
Remember that it is normal for breasts to be slightly different in size.
Step 2: Raise Your Arms
Raise both arms above your head and observe your breasts again.
Check for:
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Any new changes.
• Pulling of the skin.
• Breast distortion.
• Nipple movement.
• Swelling.
Some abnormalities become more visible when the breast tissue stretches.
Step 3: Check the Nipples
Gently squeeze each nipple.
Look for discharge such as:
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Blood.
• Clear fluid.
• Yellow discharge.
• Milky discharge (if not breastfeeding).
Any unexplained nipple discharge should be evaluated by Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune.
Step 4: Feel Your Breasts While Standing
Many women prefer performing this step during a shower because wet skin allows fingers to move smoothly.
Use the pads of your three middle fingers.
Move your fingers in small circular motions.
Apply:
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Light pressure.
• Medium pressure.
• Firm pressure.
Cover the entire breast area.
There are different patterns you can follow:
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Circular pattern.
• Vertical line pattern.
• Wedge pattern.
The important thing is to examine the entire breast every month using the same method.
Step 5: Check While Lying Down
Lie on your back.
Place a pillow under your right shoulder.
Put your right arm behind your head.
Use your left hand to examine your right breast.
Repeat on the opposite side.
This position spreads breast tissue evenly, making lumps easier to detect.
Step 6: Check the Underarm Area
Breast tissue extends into the armpit.
Feel the underarm carefully for:
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Enlarged lymph nodes.
• Swelling.
• Hard lumps.
• Tender areas.
Many breast cancers can first present as enlarged lymph nodes.
What Should a Normal Breast Feel Like?
Every woman’s breast tissue is different.
Normal breasts may feel:
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Soft.
• Firm.
• Lumpy.
• Dense.
The key is learning what is normal for your own body.
Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune advises women not to panic if they notice natural lumpiness that has always been present. Instead, watch for new or changing lumps.
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Contact Dr. Mahesh Pawar immediately if you notice:
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A new breast lump.
• Persistent breast pain in one area.
• Skin dimpling.
• Thickened skin.
• Swelling.
• Change in breast size.
• Change in breast shape.
• Redness.
• Warmth.
• Nipple inversion.
• Bloody nipple discharge.
• Enlarged lymph nodes.
• A lump that does not disappear after your menstrual cycle.
Early medical evaluation can make a significant difference.
Common Mistakes During Self Breast Examination
Many women unknowingly make mistakes, including:
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Checking only when pain develops.
• Examining irregularly.
• Ignoring underarm examination.
• Using fingertips instead of finger pads.
• Pressing too hard or too lightly.
• Skipping areas near the collarbone.
• Assuming every lump is cancer.
• Ignoring persistent breast changes.
Consistency is the key to successful breast self-awareness.
Can Self Breast Examination Detect Breast Cancer?
Self Breast Examination can help detect many breast changes, but it cannot diagnose breast cancer.
A lump discovered during self-examination should always be evaluated by a qualified breast cancer surgeon.
Additional investigations may include:
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Clinical breast examination.
• Breast ultrasound.
• Mammography.
• Breast MRI.
• Needle biopsy.
Dr. Mahesh Pawar at Care Speciality Hospital, Pune provides comprehensive breast cancer evaluation using modern diagnostic techniques.
Who Should Be Extra Careful?
Women at higher risk should be especially vigilant if they have:
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Family history of breast cancer.
• Previous breast cancer.
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
• Dense breasts.
• Increasing age.
• Obesity.
• Hormonal therapy.
• Early menstruation.
• Late menopause.
These women should also follow regular screening recommendations from their doctor.
Breast Cancer Screening Beyond Self Examination
While Self Breast Examination is valuable, it should be combined with:
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Annual clinical breast examination.
• Mammography as recommended based on age and risk.
• Breast ultrasound when indicated.
• MRI for high-risk women.
• Regular consultation with a breast specialist.
Early screening saves lives.
Breast Health Tips from Dr. Mahesh Pawar
Maintain healthy breasts by:
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Exercising regularly.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Eating a balanced diet.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Avoiding tobacco.
• Breastfeeding if possible.
• Attending regular health checkups.
• Performing monthly Self Breast Examination.