What is a Breast Self-Exam?
October 7, 2024 • 4 MIN READ
Performing a breast self-exam is a proactive way to stay on top of your breast health. Regular self-exams can help you notice changes in your breasts early, allowing you to take quick action by consulting with a healthcare provider. The self-exam has its limitations so don't use this as a diagnostic tool. It’s still important to share any new findings with your doctor, and any concerns.
What is a Breast Self-Exam?
A breast self-exam is a simple, step-by-step method of checking your own breasts for abnormalities. By regularly looking at and feeling your breasts, you can better understand what’s normal for you, making it easier to identify unusual changes.
Though mammograms are considered the best tool for early breast cancer detection, self-exams are an effective complement to these screenings, helping you become more familiar with your body.
Why Should You Do a Breast Self-Exam?
Performing a monthly breast self-exam can help you identify any changes that might indicate infection, breast disease, or early signs of breast cancer. The key is recognizing what's normal for you and reporting any abnormalities to your healthcare provider.
Self-exams, however, shouldn’t replace regular medical check-ups or mammograms. Instead, they offer an added layer of awareness between professional screenings.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam
Here’s a guide on how to perform a breast self-exam at home:
- Look in a Mirror: Start by visually inspecting your breasts with your arms at your sides, then raised above your head, and finally with your hands pressed firmly on your hips. Look for any changes in shape, skin dimpling, or nipple positioning.
- Manual Exam While Standing: Use the pads of your three middle fingers to examine your breasts, applying light, medium, and firm pressure. Follow a circular motion to ensure you cover all areas of the breast, including the tissue near your armpit.
- Manual Exam While Lying Down: Lying down allows the breast tissue to spread evenly, making it easier to detect changes. Place a pillow under your shoulder and use your opposite hand to examine each breast using the same technique as above.
What to Watch For
Be on the lookout for:
- Lumps or thickening
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge
- Nipple inversion
While breast lumps are common and often benign, any unusual changes should be shared with your healthcare provider for further investigation.
When to Do a Breast Self-Exam
If you menstruate, the best time to perform a self-exam is a few days after your period ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you’ve reached menopause or have irregular periods, pick a consistent date each month for your exam, such as the first or last day of the month.
What to Do If You Notice Changes
If you find a lump or any other abnormality during your self-exam, don’t panic—most lumps are not cancerous. However, it’s essential to speak to our OBGYN to discuss your findings and determine if further tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, are needed. If you are not sure, speak to one of our OBGYNs to discuss your questions and concerns.
Breast health awareness starts with knowing your body. By performing regular self-exams, you take an active role in your health and can detect early warning signs of breast cancer, potentially leading to less invasive treatments and better outcomes.
However, don't forget about scheduling your routine mammogram.
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