Breast Self Exam
Breast self-exam (BSE) can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This knowledge may help you identify any breast changes that should be promptly reported to your healthcare professional. The American Cancer Society considers BSE an option for women starting in their 20s. Many experts recommend that women do a monthly BSE. The following positions show you how to administer a monthly breast self-exam correctly.
The following techniques for completing the breast self-exam are recommended by the American Cancer Society.
Lying Down
This is the most effective way to feel your breast tissue.
- To examine your right breast, lie on your back, and put your right arm behind your head.
- With the pads of your fingers – not your fingertips – of the three middle fingers on your left hand, apply three levels of pressure (light, medium, and firm) in overlapping, dime sized circular motions to feel your entire breast, tissue, and underarms. Check for lumps or thickenings.
- Repeat the exam on your left breast using the finger pads of your right hand.
Standing or Sitting
Examine each underarm with your arm only slightly raised.
In Front of a Mirror
- Stand with your hands firmly pressing down on your hips and look for changes in the shape, size or skin texture of your breasts.
- Check your nipples for changes including unusual discharge.
In the Shower
- Examine your breasts using the same pattern and technique as in the lying down exam.
- Use your right hand for your left breast and your left hand for your right breast.
* Report any changes or irregularities to your healthcare professional immediately.