3 Reasons Why You Must Examine Your Own Breasts, Read Sist!!

1. Recognize Change Early

The human body is always changing. Some changes are normal. Others require further examination.

By doing BSE regularly, you will become more familiar with the shape, size, texture and normal condition of each breast, because every woman has a different breast shape, there is no one shape that is considered “the most normal”.

What is more important is to recognize changes from the usual condition, for example new lumps appear, changes in shape, the skin becomes wrinkled like orange peel, the nipples are pulled in when they weren’t before, bloody fluid comes out of the nipples, or wounds appear that don’t heal.

Such changes are not necessarily cancer. Lumps in the breast can also be caused by cysts, fibroadenomas, or other benign conditions.

However, all changes that persist should be checked by a doctor so that the cause can be determined precisely. The sooner changes are recognized, the sooner someone can receive examination and treatment if necessary.

2. Encourage concern for personal health

REALIZE is not just about finding lumps. This habit also trains a person to care more about the condition of their own body.

Often, women are very concerned about the health of family members, but delay checking themselves.

Whereas, Taking care of your own health is not a selfish act, in fact it is an act of loving yourself before you love your fellow human beings. A healthy body allows a person to work, study, exercise, help fellow humans, and carry out various roles in life.

REALIZE only takes a few minutes each month. However, this simple habit can be a reminder that health is a long-term investment.

Women who know their own bodies also tend to seek medical help more quickly when they find something unusual, compared to those who never pay attention to their body condition at all.

3. Helps build awareness about the importance of early detection

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in women in various countries, including Indonesia.

Although not all cancers can be prevented, early detection can increase the chances of successful treatment if cancer is found. For this reason, recognizing changes in the breasts has important value.

However, you also need to understand that BSE is not a substitute for examination by a health professional, mammography, or other examinations that are recommended based on age, risk factors, and individual conditions.

If suspicious changes are found, don’t try to guess the cause yourself via the internet. Immediately ask a doctor or health worker. They can determine whether further examination is needed, such as a clinical examination, breast ultrasound, mammography, or other examinations.

Combining awareness of one’s own body with proper medical examination is a much more effective step than relying solely on one or the other.

How to do BSE in brief

Although the complete technique is best learned through health workers or official materials from the Ministry of Health, in general BSE is carried out through the following steps.

First, observe your breasts in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides, then lift them above your head, and then place them on your waist to see if there are any changes in shape, size or skin condition.

Second, touch using the tips of three fingers with regular movements until all parts of the breast and armpit area are palpable.

Third, carry out the examination while lying down so that the breast tissue is flatter so it is easier to feel.

Fourth, pay attention to whether there is fluid coming out of the nipple spontaneously, especially if it is mixed with blood.

If you find changes that persist or feel worrying, don’t panic. Many breast changes are benign. However, still carry out an examination at a health facility to get the correct diagnosis.

CLOSURE

As part of Superwoman Series #150, this discussion reminds us that strong women are women who dare to take care of their own health.

SADARI does not aim to make you afraid of cancer. On the other hand, BSE aims to help you get to know your own body better so that you are more sensitive to changes that may require further examination.

The three main reasons for doing BSE are recognizing changes early, increasing awareness of personal health, and supporting early detection if breast abnormalities appear.

This habit only takes a few minutes each month, but it can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Combined with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding smoking, and medical examinations as recommended, awareness of breast health becomes a real form of caring for oneself.

Because a healthy body not only provides the opportunity to pursue your dreams, but also allows you to continue working, help others, and live a better quality life.

SOURCE

American Cancer Society. (2024). Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2024–2025. American Cancer Society.

Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2023). Guide to Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. Directorate of Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, Indonesian Ministry of Health.

World Health Organization. (2023). Breast cancer. World Health Organization.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2024). NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. NCCN.

International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2024). World Cancer Report: Breast Cancer. IARC, World Health Organization.