It only takes a few minutes of your time, once every month, but it could very well save your life. Regular Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is one way of significantly increasing the early detection of breast cancer. Remember that when diagnosed early, one’s chances of beating breast cancer is increased remarkably.
By examining your breasts regularly, you will be able to gather any unusual changes on their appearance, shape, and feel. Though changes in your breasts may not necessarily mean that you have cancer, it is best to report such to your doctor right away.
Who should do a BSE? As soon as a woman reaches her twenties, she should start doing BSE. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding could do BSEs too. Those with breast implants can also do BSE. They just need to ask their surgeon to help them identify the edges of the implant.
When should you do a BSE? Do a BSE ten days after the start of your period. It’s best to examine your breasts when they’re not tender or swollen. If you are post-menopausal, just pick a particular day, like the first or last day of the month, as your benchmark.
How do you do a BSE? ICANSERVE Foundation, an organization which provides hope and help to women with breast cancer, has come up with three video tutorials on how to do a BSE. The English video is narrated by Lea Salonga, the Tagalog by Dawn Zulueta, and the Cebuano by Raki Vega.
We urge you to watch these videos today!
BSE video tutorial in English
BSE video tutorial in Tagalog
BSE video tutorial in Cebuano
Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Leave a Reply