Steps To Conduct Self-Examination Of The Breast (SEB)

Breast cancer is every woman’s greatest fear. It is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women aged 35 to 54. According to Dr. Rey Joson, a renowned cancer surgeon in Manila, the cause of breast cancer is still unknown, although genetic predisposition is considered a factor. Another factor that might have increased a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is late childbearing. Women who have their first child after the age of 30 have a greater chance of developing breast cancer than women who have a child at a younger age.

However, Dr. Joson said, breast cancer may be arrested or even cured if detected early enough. It is therefore necessary for every women, especially those twenty and above, to conduct a self-examination of the breast (SEB) regularly. This allows a woman to detect lumps at an early stage. Here’s some simple steps Dr. Joson recommend to do it properly :

* Place your right arm behind your head. (When lying down, place a pillow under your right shoulder.)

* Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.

* Press firmly enough to feel the breast tissue under your skin. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.

* Move around your breast in a circular, up-and-down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time. Check the entire breast area, noting any changes from prior checks.

* Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow under your left shoulder.)

* Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breast. This is where about half of breast cancers are found.

* When finished, stand in front of a mirror and check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness or swelling.