Self-examination
Breast self-examination should be done once a month so that one becomes familiar with the usual appearance and feel of the breast. It makes easier to notice any change in the breast from one month to another. Early discovery of a change from what is ?normal? is the main idea behind self-examination.
If one menstruates, the best time to do examination is two or three days after the period ends, when the breast are least likely to be tender or swollen. If one no longer menstruates, pick a particular day, such as the first day of the month for not to forget.
(The author is chairperson, Women Wing of IMA.)
