Have you ever wondered when you should perform your breast self examination (BSE) and when (what time of the month) should it be performed? Do I perform it before, during or after my period? Does it matter when I perform it? Will it be painful? What am I suppose to feel during the exam?

BSE should be performed once every month beginning in your 20’s. In my 20’s and 30’s, I found that I stuck to my BSE schedule and was less likely to forget, if I performed the exam one week after my menstrual cycle ended. This is a good time to do the exam for two reasons. First, picking a specific time of month made me less likely to forget. Second, BSE should not be painful. If you are like me, my breast tissue is much less tender and swollen one week after my menstrual cycle ends. Now that I am in my 40’s, and do not have a menstrual cycle, I paid attention to when my breasts were not tender or less tender. This helped me pick the time of month to do the exam each month. This can also help women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) and no longer have a menstrual cycle. Notice your own pattern and perform the BSE when your breasts are less tender. If breast tenderness is not an issue for you, then BSE is best performed around the same date each month.

When I first started performing BSE, I reviewed my technique with my doctor to be sure that I was performing it correctly. You will be checking for changes in your breast tissue including lumps, thickening, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, change in color or texture, changes in nipple shape, a sore that does not heal.

I would love to hear from you if you perform BSE. Are you comfortable with performing it? Did you find any changes and how did your doctor help you sort it out? Did finding your lump save your life?

AGE 20+:
Monthly Breast Self Examination

AGE 20-39:
Monthly Breast Self Examination
Clinical Examination Every 3 Years

AGE 40 and Over:
Monthly Breast Self Examination
Clinical Examination Every Year
Mammogram Every Year