Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Wellness

What you should know about breast self-examinations

Cathy Nelson
By

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among U.S. women, and it’s estimated more than 330,000 American women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2021. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the greater the chances of survival and less intensive treatment for the disease.

While mammograms can find breast cancer in its earliest stages before a lump can typically be felt, breast self-examinations are an important way that women can detect lumps or changes in their breasts on a regular basis. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump during a self-exam.

Recommended Videos

Woman wearing a white bra with pink ribbon on it

Three ways to perform a breast self-exam

Experts recommend adult women do breast self-exams at least once a month. The key to an effective self-exam is knowing how to do one properly. There are three ways breast self-exams should be performed. They are:

  • In front of the mirror. Look at your breasts with your arms straight down at your sides. Look for changes in your breasts’ contour, as well as skin changes such as swelling or dimpling. Look at your nipples and note any changes in position or appearance. Now, do the same while putting your hands on your hips and flexing your chest muscles. Finally, raise your arms overhead, and again look for any changes in the breasts and nipples.
  • Lying down. When you lie down, breast tissue is spread out in a different way than when you’re standing, so you’ll want to examine your breasts while you’re prone, as well. Start on the right side by putting a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. You’ll want to use your left hand to examine your right breast. Using the pads of your first three fingers while keeping the fingers flat and together, firmly and smoothly use a circular motion about the size of a quarter to examine your entire breast. You can start at the nipple and move outwards, or go up and down in vertical lines – just make sure you cover the entire breast, all the way out to the armpit and up to the collarbone. Use all types of pressure: light, medium, and firm. Remember, you’re feeling for any lump, tenderness, or change from what your breasts usually feel like. Squeeze your nipples to look for discharge. Once you’re done, repeat the process on your left breast, this time using your right hand.

Woman lying down doing a breast self-exam

  • In the shower. You also want to examine your breasts while standing or sitting in the shower because water makes the skin more conducive to an exam. Use the same steps you did when you were lying down including using the hand opposite from the breast you’re examining. Also, feel for lumps or changes in your armpits or collarbone areas.

Remember, no matter which type of exam you’re doing, you are looking for lumps or changes in breast/nipple size or shape, redness or tenderness, nipple discharge, and dimpling or swelling of the skin. A good rule of thumb is that you’re looking for anything that’s unusual or not the norm for your breasts.

What to do if you find something

First, don’t freak out. Finding something doesn’t mean you have cancer. There are a number of benign conditions that cause changes to the breast. But do call your doctor as soon as possible for a follow-up. Write down what you found and when you found it, and bring that information to your appointment. Remember, even if it is cancer, breast cancer has a 99% five-year survival rate when it’s found at the localized stage, before it’s spread outside of the breast.

How often and when to do a self-exam

You should examine your breasts at least once a month, but you can examine them even more often. The better you know the uniqueness of your own breasts, the better you’ll know if something about them has changed. However, don’t examine your breasts the few days before or during menstruation, when hormonal changes can make the breasts swollen and tender. If you are no longer having periods, pick a day (or two or three) of the month you like, and do your exams then.

Although a mammogram is still the best way to find breast cancer early when it’s most treatable, breast self-examinations are another important tool to help you find any changes in your breasts that warrant a call to your doctor.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Cathy Nelson
Cathy Nelson
Contributor
Cathy is a freelance features writer and editor whose work has appeared in Well+Good, Verywell Health, Mindbodygreen…
If you love cold brew you need to check out these coffee makers
coffee-and-organizer-on-brown-background

Cold brew coffee is having a moment. People who consider themselves coffee enthusiasts, as well as those just getting into coffee love cold brew equally, and that's because of it's smooth taste. Cold brew involves water, coffee grounds, and a little patience. Cold brew typically takes eight to 24 hours to make, and having the right vessel for that steeping process is critical. We found five coffee makers that will make the brewing process a breeze, so you can enjoy the convenience of home brewing without the acidic taste regular brewing can leave.

Cold brew coffee is easy to make at home, giving you the convenience of having a full pot of coffee ready for the morning. All you need to do is find a blend that works for you, steep it in one of these coffee makers, and and add your favorite cream, sugar, or other deliciousness before you sip. Because cold brew is much smoother than coffee prepared at a higher temperature, you may actually find you use less of a sweetener as you go. Regardless of how you drink it, these coffee machines make preparing your coffee a breeze.

Read more
Items that you need for your electronic devices
a woman on her phone and computer

We live in a modern society that relies on technology even more than ever before. We use cell phones, iPads, laptops, smartwatches, and computers. We are living in a virtual time that careers and schools are going remote and virtual. We use electronic devices to stay active, healthy, keep in touch, and go to important meetings. It is becoming an essential part of our daily lives for our careers and education. Children no longer have snow days and can have classes online. You no longer have to relocate yourself for a career instead you can work remotely from where you live.

Our electronic devices are what we use every day. People use electronic devices for work, school, time, and staying active. We can keep in touch with someone from the other side of the world. We rely on electronic devices so much we cannot afford to lose them or for our devices to die. Electronic devices are how we submit projects, assignments, blogs, ideas, or job applications. You no longer have to go to an interview physically, but you can interview for your job in the comfort of your home. That is why we need electronic devices for our daily lives and careers.

Read more
Things to keep you warm during the cold season
A woman wearing a blue winter sweater in a sun filled room.

During the wintertime, it can be cold for your body. It is important to dress according to the weather and keep your body covered during the dropping temperatures. It is important to stay warm and not get frostbite. Frostbite can be painful during the wintertime, especially if you have to do some labor work while it is below freezing outside. That is why the items listed below can assist your body temperature and shield you from the cold. You do not have to worry about frostbite on your hands, feet, or your ears. You can work out, work on labor projects, or play outside.

Does your child enjoy playing out in the snow? Are you someone who enjoys outside labor or who works outside in the weather? The items listed above can make your life easier for you during the coldest months of the year. The E Tronic edge ear warmer headband will keep your ears warm and shield them from frostbite. The EEZ-Y Travel umbrella can shield your head from the freezing rain. The magic stretch winter kids gloves can keep your child's hands warm while they go out and play in the snow. The rymora calf compression sleeve can keep runners both warm and steady on their feet without any possible muscle injury. The Luther Pike Seattle women's cabin socks will keep your feet toasty and warm.

Read more