How to do a breast self-exam
Breast cancer is more
treatable when it is detected early. Fortunately, advances in mammography make
breast cancer diagnosis better than ever. But don't just think about your
breast health at your annual OB/GYN visits. You should also perform your own breast
self-exams throughout
the year.
A breast self-exam should
never take the place of your annual mammogram or give you a reason to avoid mammograms. But breast self-exams
are a simple way for you to keep an eye on your breast health between
appointments. If you do notice changes, such as finding a lump, you should contact your
provider who can determine if you need further testing. Remember, early
detection saves lives.
A monthly affair
A breast self-exam here
and there isn't too helpful. For these exams to be useful, you need to do them
regularly. Ideally, you'll do a breast self-exam every month.
With a monthly
breast self-exam, you learn what's normal for your breasts. Once you learn what's
normal, abnormalities stick out. That's the power of breast self-exams. They
help you identify potential problems between mammograms.
Just in time
When it comes to breast
self-exams, every day of the month is not equal.
Prior to menopause,
hormonal changes during your monthly cycle can cause temporary lumps and breast
tenderness. The best time to do a breast self-exam is usually a few days after
beginning your period.
After menopause, it
doesn't matter when you do your monthly exam, as long as it's consistent. It
may be easier to remember on the first or last day of every month. Whenever you
do it, stick to your routine.
Performing a breast self-exam
It's important to learn
how to do a proper breast self-exam and do it the same way every month.
On your back
Lie down on your back.
Put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to feel your left
breast. Push down firmly and gently with your hand's middle three fingers. When
pushing down, move your hand:
- Directly up and down (toward feet and toward your head)
- From outside the breast toward the nipple (from all directions)
- In a circular motion
When you are finished,
repeat the process on your other breast.
With a mirror
With your arms resting
comfortably by your side, stand up straight in front of a mirror. Start by
visually examining your breasts. Then feel your breasts carefully as you did
while lying down.
Raise your arms overhead
and pay attention to how your breast shape changes. Next, place your hands on
your hips and flex your chest muscles. To do this, push down against your hips.
This will cause your chest muscles to flex and your breasts to shift slightly.
In each position, notice
the shape and texture of each breast. Note if your nipples turn inward or
outward. Each month, keep track of any changes you see.
The goal is to know your
breasts so well that you will notice any change that occurs. It may be a change
in color, shape, or size. You may experience dimpling, indentations, or
puckering of the breast. Check for soreness, swelling, redness, or rash. If
your breast skin develops a new texture, write it down.
On a chair
Sit in a straight-backed
chair. (Or stand up — whichever is more comfortable.) Check for discharge by
squeezing the nipple. Do this gently with both breasts. If you have a discharge, don't be alarmed. This might be normal for you but pay
attention to what it looks like.
Next, feel each of your
armpits, one at a time. Breast
tissue extends into the armpit, so get to know how it feels and track any changes there as
well.
In the shower
You can perform your
breast self-exam in the shower, except for the parts that require you to lie
down or use a mirror. Examining your breasts in the shower has a few benefits:
- It's easier to remember. Connecting your exam to a
shower may help you remember to do it regularly. You can even put a small
reminder inside your shower to keep you on schedule.
- It's easier to perform. In the shower, your skin is wet and slippery. Many women find this makes the exam easier.
Breast self-exam response
Notice a change during a
breast self-exam? There are two things you shouldn't do.
1. Don't freak out. It's normal for your breasts to change.
Hormones, injury, or a nonthreatening breast condition can cause changes.
Sometimes, those changes include finding a lump. Many women have lumps in their
breasts, but most breast lumps aren't cancerous.
2. Don't ignore it. Although changes in your breast could be nothing
to worry about, you shouldn't ignore them either. Always talk with your OB/GYN
if you notice a change in your breasts. Ask if additional imaging, such as 3D mammography, could help. Keep in
mind that breast cancer
can affect anyone, including young women.
If your provider suspects cancer, he or she may refer you to a breast specialist. This expert may run additional tests. If the breast specialist finds cancer, particularly in its early stages, you will have access to more treatment options.
For more information
about breast care, including advanced 3D mammography, visit the Reid Health Breast Center.