Breast Self-exam (BSE) and Physical Examination of the Breast (PEB) are examinations done on the breast by visual inspection and palpation.
The objectives are essentially the same for both BSE and PEB in terms of screening and diagnostic purpose. PEB can be done for check-up purpose (in those patients without breast symptoms but want to be screened for possible breast cancer). BSE can be done concomitantly for diagnostic purpose particularly by those persons, both lay and health professionals, who are in the know of making a diagnosis as a result of training in recognition of breast problems).
The rational for advocating BSE is to use it as a tool to promote early detection of breast cancer. Combined BSE and PEB or complementing BSE with PEB is also being advocated for early detection of breast cancer. BSE and PEB, however, both singly or in combination, can be used for detecting and recognizing breast disorders other than breast cancers.