How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Breast self-exams are an important way to monitor your breast health and can help detect potential issues early. By regularly performing a breast self-exam, you’ll become more familiar with how your breasts normally feel, making it easier to notice any unusual changes. Early detection of abnormalities can lead to early diagnosis, which improves treatment outcomes in most cases. 

In this week’s article as part of our series recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll walk you through how to perform a breast self-exam step by step and explain why it’s so important for your health. 

Why Are Breast Self-Exams Important? 

Breast self-exams are a simple, free, and effective way to check for lumps or changes in your breasts. While they don’t replace mammograms or professional check-ups, they are a useful tool for spotting issues between doctor visits. 

According to health experts, many women discover breast lumps on their own during routine self-exams. Though not all lumps are cancerous, it’s crucial to report any new or unusual findings to a healthcare provider for further evaluation. 

When to Perform a Breast Self-Exam 

For the most accurate results, it’s best to perform a breast self-exam once a month, a few days after your period ends. During this time, your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender, making it easier to feel for any changes. 

If you no longer have periods, pick a specific day each month to do your exam, so it becomes part of your routine. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Breast Self-Exam 

Follow these simple steps to perform a thorough breast self-exam: 

Step 1: Look at Your Breasts in the Mirror 

• Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at your sides. 

• Look at the shape, size, and color of your breasts. Both breasts won’t always look exactly the same, but take note of any visible changes like dimpling, swelling, or changes in the skin texture. 

• Check for any visible changes in the nipples, such as inversion (turning inward), redness, or discharge. 

Step 2: Raise Your Arms and Look Again 

• Raise both arms above your head and look for the same signs as in step 1. 

• Pay close attention to any changes in the contour or shape of your breasts when your arms are lifted. 

Step 3: Check for Fluid 

• Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any fluid discharge. This could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid, or blood. 

• If you notice any discharge, even if it’s clear, contact your healthcare provider. 

Step 4: Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down 

• Lie down on your back with one arm raised above your head. This helps spread the breast tissue evenly across your chest, making it easier to feel for lumps. 

• Use the opposite hand to examine the breast on the raised-arm side. For example, use your right hand to feel your left breast. 

• Use your first three fingers (index, middle, and ring) to feel your breast with small, circular motions. Apply varying pressure—light pressure for the skin and tissue, medium for the middle layers, and firm pressure to feel deep tissue near the chest and ribs. 

• Cover the entire breast area, from the collarbone to the ribs and from your armpit to your cleavage. 

Step 5: Feel Your Breasts While Standing or Sitting 

• Finally, feel your breasts while standing or sitting. Many women find this easier in the shower when their skin is wet and slippery. 

• Use the same small, circular motions you used while lying down to check the entire breast area, including the armpit. 

What to Do If You Find a Lump 

Finding a lump doesn’t automatically mean you have breast cancer. Many lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but it’s always important to get any changes checked by a healthcare professional. 

Contact your doctor if you notice: 

• A new lump or thickening in your breast or underarm. 

• Changes in the size or shape of your breast. 

• Persistent pain in one area of your breast. 

• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk). 

• Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or puckering. 

Your doctor may perform additional tests, such as a mammogram or biopsy, to determine the cause of the lump. 

A breast self-exam is a valuable tool for maintaining your breast health. By performing these exams regularly, you can catch potential problems early and seek medical attention when necessary. While a breast self-exam isn’t a replacement for professional screenings, it’s a proactive step in taking control of your health. 

Make it a habit to perform a breast self-exam each month and schedule regular mammograms as recommended by your doctor. Early detection is key to improving treatment outcomes and survival rates for breast cancer. 

This has been part two of our series of blog articles highlighting the importance of women’s health, specifically acknowledging October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you wish to read the other articles in this series, you can do so by clicking here.