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Three Methods:In Front of A MirrorIn The ShowerLying Down

Early detection is critical in treating breast cancer, so adult women of all ages are encouraged to conduct self-examinations once a month. [1] Conducting these exams regularly helps you familiarize yourself with the look and feel of your breasts so that you can more easily detect changes. Breast self-exams should be performed in front of a mirror, in the shower, and lying down.[2] Read this article to learn how.

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Method 1 of 3: In Front of A Mirror

  1. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 1.jpg
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    Stand in front of a mirror with your shirt and bra off. Be sure that you are in a well-lit area and that you can clearly see your entire chest area.
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  2. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 2.jpg
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    Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Look for the following things: changes in the contour of the breasts, unusual swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the shape of the nipple. [3]
  3. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 3.jpg
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    Raise both of your arms over your head. Again, look for any changes in breast contour, swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the shape of the nipple.
  4. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 4.jpg
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    Bring your arms back down to your sides. Press your palms firmly on your hips to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other unusual changes in your breasts' appearance. [4]
  5. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 5.jpg
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    Report any changes to your healthcare provider. Report any visual changes you notice to your healthcare provider so that he or she can conduct a proper examination.
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Method 2 of 3: In The Shower

  1. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 6.jpg
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    Lift your right arm over your head and use your left hand to examine your right breast. Use the pads of your fingers to feel around the entire breast area in circular motions. Feel for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. [5]
    • Breast tissue extends from the nipple to underneath the armpit. Be sure to check the entire area of your breast, including the armpits and along the sides of your breast.
  2. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 7.jpg
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    Bring your arm back down, and repeat the examination on your left breast. Again, move your fingers in circular motions and feel for lumps, knots, or thickening.
  3. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 8.jpg
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    Report any changes to your healthcare provider. If you feel an unusual lump or knot in your breast, then let your healthcare provider know immediately so that he or she can conduct a proper examination.
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Method 3 of 3: Lying Down

  1. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 9.jpg
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    Lie down on your back with a pillow or towel underneath your right shoulder. Rest your right arm behind your head.
  2. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 10.jpg
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    Use your left hand to gently feel the entire breast area in small circular motions.[6] Be sure to feel the sides of your breasts and right armpit area as well. Feel for any lumps, thickening, or knots.
    • Use light, medium, and hard pressure.
  3. 3
    Squeeze your nipple gently with your left hand. Check for any discharge or lumps in the nipple.[7]
  4. 4
    Repeat the examination on the left breast. Again, use small circular motions to check the left breast for lumps, thickening, knots, or discharge.
  5. Do a Breast Self Exam Step 13.jpg
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    Report any changes to your doctor. If you find any unusual lumps, thickening, knots, or discharge, then make an appointment with your healthcare provider immediately so that he or she can conduct a proper examination.
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Warnings

  • Self-exams alone are not sufficient to properly detect breast cancer, and should be combined with regular mammogram screenings. Remember that mammograms can detect breast cancer before a visible lump can be felt or seen.
  • Breast cancer risk is higher for women who have a history of breast cancer in the family. Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer nearly doubles a woman's risk.[8]
  • A woman's breast cancer risk increases with age. Women over the age of 50 are at higher risk for breast cancer than those under 50. [9]
  • Breast cancer occurs in men as well, so men should also conduct these self-screenings. However, breast cancer is 100 times more common in women.[10]

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  2. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  3. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  4. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  5. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  6. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  7. ↑ http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam
  8. ↑ http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors
  9. ↑ http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors
  10. ↑ http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factors

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Categories: Featured Articles | Cancer | Breast Health

In other languages:

Español: hacerse un autoexamen de mamas, Português: Fazer um Auto exame de Mama, Italiano: Eseguire un Autoesame del Seno, Français: faire un auto‐examen de ses seins, Deutsch: Selbst eine Brustuntersuchung durchführen, Русский: самостоятельно провести осмотр груди

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