The importance of breast self-examination for early detection of breast cancer

Breast self-examination (BSE) is a crucial first step in breast cancer screening and plays a vital role in early detection. While mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs are essential radiological tools for breast screening, self-examination empowers women to monitor their own breast health regularly and identify any unusual changes early on.

Many women are not fully aware of what their breasts normally look and feel like. Regular self-examination encourages women to become familiar with their breast size, shape, nipple position, skin texture, and any potential lumps or swelling. By visually inspecting and palpating their breasts consistently, women can quickly detect any changes such as redness, swelling, lumps, or nipple discharge.

BSE can be performed in various positions, such as standing or lying down, and can be done wet or dry based on personal comfort. The goal is to regularly feel the breasts in a pattern—whether top to bottom, left to right, or in a circular motion—to identify any new lumps or abnormalities. Ideally, women should conduct BSE when their breasts are least tender, such as after their menstrual cycle, to avoid discomfort and obtain more accurate results.

Early detection is key to improving survival from Breast Cancer. Regular BSE can help women detect lumps as small as 2-2.5 centimeters, which could indicate stage I / II breast cancer. Radiological screening is done at fixed intervals of one or two years and cancer will not wait to manifest itself in a mammogram, especially the one which is aggressive. BSE helps to detect cancer at lump stage and radiological screening detects non-palpable changes. Thus, BSE and mammography complement each other. The woman who does regular BSE is the one who will draw maximum benefit from mammography and combining BSE with periodic clinical exams and mammograms can enhance the chances of detecting cancer at even earlier stages, including stage 0 or stage 1.

In resource-limited settings, such as India, BSE becomes even more important. Reliance on mammograms alone may provide false reassurance, leading women to miss early signs of cancer. By prioritizing BSE and scheduling clinical exams, women can take a proactive approach to their breast health, allowing radiological screenings to complement, rather than replace, self-monitoring. Regular BSE can ultimately make a significant difference in early cancer detection and successful treatment.

(Author: Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director of Surgical Oncology at CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi)