What is a breast self-exam?
A breast self-exam is a monthly exam a woman can do herself to
check for breast cancer. When you do a breast self-exam, you check
for lumps, thickening, and dimples in the breast. You also check
for lumps in your underarms and discharge from the nipple.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in American women.
When breast cancer is found early and treated right away, the
chances for cure are much better. Regular breast self-exams are
recommended starting at about age 20.
What is the best time to examine my breasts?
Examine your breasts once a month at the end of your period, when
your breasts usually are not tender or swollen. If you have
already been through menopause or have had a hysterectomy, check
your breasts on the first day of every month or whenever you can
best remember to do it monthly.
How do I do a breast self-exam?
- Lie down and put your left arm under your head. This spreads
the breast tissue more evenly on your chest. Use your right
hand to examine your left breast. With your 3 middle fingers
flat, move gently in small circular motions over the entire
area of the breast, checking for any lump, hard knot, or
thickening. Use different degrees of pressure--light, medium,
and firm--to feel breast tissue at different levels in your
breast. Be sure to check the whole breast, from your
collarbone above your breast and down until you feel only ribs
below your breast. After checking your left breast, put your
right arm under your head. Use your left hand to examine your
right breast in the same way you checked your left breast.
- Look at your breasts while standing in front of a mirror with
your hands pressing firmly down on your hips. Look for lumps,
new differences in size and shape, and swelling or dimpling of
the skin.
- While standing or sitting, slightly raise one arm, then the
other, so you can check your underarm area for lumps.
- Squeeze the nipple of each breast gently between your thumb
and index finger to check for discharge or fluid from the
nipples.
If you want to check to see if you are doing the exam the right
way, ask your healthcare provider to show you how to do it.
What are the limitations of a breast self-exam?
Mammograms together with annual breast exams by your healthcare
provider are the best ways to detect breast cancers as early as
possible. Mammograms can find most breast cancers up to 2 years
before they are big enough to feel.
However, occasionally a woman will have a fast-growing breast
cancer in between her regular mammograms. This is one of the main
reasons it is good to do monthly breast self-exams. Another
important reason is just to get to know your breasts. That way, if
you develop one of the other symptoms of breast cancer, such as
skin changes or nipple discharge, you may notice the symptoms
sooner than the woman who is not used to her breasts.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Contact your provider as soon as possible if a change occurs, such
as:
- development of a lump or swelling
- skin irritation or dimpling
- nipple pain or retraction (nipple turning inward)
- redness or scaly rash on the nipple or breast skin
- any discharge or fluid from the nipple (other than breast milk
in nursing mothers).
Fortunately, most lumps and other changes are not cancerous, but
only your provider can make the diagnosis.
Developed by Phyllis G. Cooper, RN, MN, and RelayHealth.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
