How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam
An Informative Guide for Performing a Personal Breast Examination
For women over the age of 20, it is crucial to engage in a monthly breast self-examination (BSE). If you are menstruating, it is advisable to schedule this examination a few days after your period ends when your breasts are less tender. In the absence of menstruation, such as during menopause, continue to perform BSE consistently on a monthly basis.
You can choose from the following methods for conducting a BSE and select the one that best suits your needs.
Facing Your Reflection
Stand in front of a mirror and carefully compare both breasts for differences in size, nipple orientation, protrusions, or indentations. Pay attention to any changes in the skin or nipples, including the appearance of a firm lump or nipple discharge.
Conduct an assessment of your breasts in four phases:
- With your arms resting at your sides
- With your arms raised above your head
- With your hands on your hips - Apply firm pressure to engage the pectoral muscles
- Leaning forward - Examine your breasts thoroughly
During these postures, the contraction of your pectoral muscles may cause subtle dimpling in the skin if a growing tumor affects a ligament.
Lying Down
Right Breast
- Place a pillow under your right shoulder.
- Put your right hand under your head.
- Use the fingertips of your left hand to examine the entire breast.
- Perform gentle circular motions, following an upward and downward pattern.
- Feel the breast with the surface of your second, third, and fourth fingers, moving systematically in small, circular motions from the nipple to the outer boundaries.
- Apply gentle pressure on the nipple to check for any discharge.
Left Breast
- Repeat these steps for your left breast using your right hand.
During Your Shower
A BSE can be easily performed during a bath or shower. Some women discover breast masses when their skin is moist.
- Raise your right arm.
- With soapy hands and fingers evenly spread, examine your right breast.
- Use the same small circular motions and the previously mentioned upward-and-downward pattern.
- Repeat the procedure for the left breast.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
Your healthcare provider is well-equipped to teach you the correct technique for a breast self-examination during your annual breast evaluation. This should be discussed during your routine comprehensive health assessment.
You are encouraged to perform this examination on a monthly basis and promptly report any concerns about breast lumps or conditions to your medical practitioner.
Although regular breast self-examinations have not definitively proven to reduce breast cancer-related mortality or be as effective as routine mammography screening, they remain a highly cost-effective measure without adverse side effects. Tumors with the potential to be breast cancer, when detected through this approach, are often in an early developmental stage, offering a more favorable prognosis and potentially increased long-term survival rates.