Regular breast self-exams are an important part of breast health awareness. By regularly examining your breasts, you become familiar with their normal appearance and texture, making it easier to detect any changes that warrant medical attention. This guide outlines how to perform a thorough self-exam.
Visual Inspection
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Stand in front of a mirror: Begin by examining your breasts visually while standing in front of a mirror. Observe the size, shape, and color of each breast, looking for any changes or abnormalities such as dimpling, puckering, or skin changes. (Information supported by NHS guidelines on checking breasts or chest.)
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Arms at sides, then raised: First, inspect with your arms by your sides. Then, raise your arms above your head. This helps to reveal any changes that might not be visible otherwise. (Information supported by NHS guidelines on checking breasts or chest.)
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Look for any irregularities: Pay close attention to the nipple area, checking for any changes in size, shape, or discharge. Any changes, no matter how subtle, should be noted and discussed with a healthcare professional. (Information supported by a variety of sources including Mayo Clinic and the National Breast Cancer Foundation)
Manual Examination
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Lie down: Lie down with one arm behind your head. Using the middle fingers of your opposite hand, gently yet firmly press down using small circular motions to examine your entire breast. (Information supported by a MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia article.)
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Cover the entire breast: Systematically cover your entire breast, moving your hand from your collarbone to your abdomen, and from your armpit across to your breastbone. (Information supported by HSE.ie guidelines on breast self-examination)
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Feel for lumps: Feel for any lumps, bumps, or thickening of the tissue. Pay close attention to the consistency of the tissue – any changes in texture should be noted. (Information supported by the American Cancer Society guidelines on self-exams.)
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Examine your armpit: Don't forget to check your armpit, as breast tissue extends into this area. Gently feel for any lumps or bumps. (Information directly supported by a MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia article.)
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Squeeze your nipples: Gently squeeze each nipple, checking for any discharge. (Information directly supported by a MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia article.)
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Repeat on the other side: Repeat the same procedure on the other breast.
When to Perform a Self-Exam
The best time to perform a monthly breast self-exam is about 3 to 5 days after your period starts. This is when your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. Perform the exam at the same time each month to establish a routine. (Information supported by a MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia article.)
Important Note
While breast self-exams are helpful for increasing breast awareness, they are not a replacement for regular mammograms and clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional. These are crucial for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. If you find anything unusual, consult your doctor immediately.
