The Self Breast Examination

A self-breast exam is important for several key reasons:

Early Detection of Breast Cancer Regular self-exams help women become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This makes it easier to notice any changes, such as lumps, thickening, or other abnormalities. Detecting these changes early can lead to prompt medical evaluation, which is crucial for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Early detection often results in better treatment outcomes, as cancers that are found early tend to be smaller and more easily treatable.

Increased Breast Awareness Performing self-breast exams fosters breast awareness, meaning women are more in tune with their bodies and can better identify any changes over time. This awareness empowers women to take control of their breast health and advocate for themselves if something feels off.

Complement to Regular Screenings While mammograms and clinical breast exams are essential components of breast cancer screening, self-breast exams provide an additional layer of monitoring. They allow women to check their breasts more frequently (monthly) between formal screenings.

Monitoring for Non-Cancerous Changes Not all breast changes are cancerous. A self-exam can help detect benign conditions like cysts or fibroadenomas, which can still cause discomfort or other issues. Identifying these changes allows women to seek treatment if needed and avoid unnecessary anxiety.

Health Empowerment Regular self-breast exams encourage women to take an active role in their health. It allows them to be proactive in detecting potential issues early, which can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of control over their well-being.

Encouraging Preventive Health Behavior Performing a self-breast exam regularly can serve as a reminder of the importance of preventive health care, prompting women to schedule routine mammograms, clinical breast exams, and other important health checks.

What is a self breast examination (SBE) and why is it important?

Self Breast Examinations are a method of looking over and checking your own breast tissue both visually and through touch to see changes that occur over time.

  • Knowledge of your body and noticing changes that happen over time provides more awareness of your breast tissue.

  • The SBE is not a replacement for recommended imaging.

When to perform

It's best to perform a SBE 4–7 days after your period, when your breasts aren't as full and tender.

Step 1: Begin by visually evaluating your breast tissue:

  • Stand straight in front of a mirror.

  • Begin with your arms straight down at your sides and just look at your breasts. Note any:

    • Dimpling or pitting.

    • Changes in the size or shape of your breasts.

    • Variation in color, shape, or size.

  • Lift both arms overhead and again, check the size, shape, and appearance.

  • Then place your hands firmly on your hips and flex your chest muscles seeing if there are changes in your breast tissue.

Step 2: Feel each breast as you are standing:

  • Use your right hand to check your left breast and your left hand to check your right breast.

  • Use the tips of three fingers to feel all the way around the outermost portion of the breast in a clockwise direction, and then move inwards in order to palpate the entire breast and nipple in a circular manner.

  • Examine under your arms also, called the axillary region.

  • Gently squeeze your nipple to see if there is any discharge.

  • Repeat this process on the other breast.

Step 3: Feel each breast as you are lying down:

  • Take your right arm and place it behind your head to further open your chest. That will allow you to use the left hand to again feel around your full breast in concentric circles noting any hard spots, divots, lumps, or bumps.

  • Repeat the steps from above using the tips of your fingers to circle through all of your breast tissue.

  • Be sure to check under the areola again then to press the nipple seeing if there is any discharge on each side.

  • Examine under your arms also, called the axillary region.

Call your healthcare provider if you notice of find:

  • Any lump.

  • Change in the look, feel or size of the breast.

  • Change in the look or feel of the nipple.

  • Dimpling or puckering of the skin.

  • Lump, hard knot or thick spot in the breast tissue.

  • Nipple discharge.

  • Nipple or other area pulling inward.

  • Pain in one spot that won’t go away.

  • Rash on the nipple.

  • Swelling of one or both breasts.

  • Warmth, redness, or dark spots on the skin.