Self-Breast Exam Guide: Tips, Benefits and Step-by-Step Checklist
Regular self-breast exams are a crucial part of maintaining your breast health. They empower you to become familiar with your breasts, allowing you to notice any changes early. This self-breast exam guide will walk you through the process step by step, helping you understand why it’s important, who should perform it and when to seek professional advice.
Who Should Perform a Self-Breast Exam
Every woman, regardless of age, should consider performing regular self-breast exams as part of their healthcare routine. By starting these exams in your 20s, you can become more familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect any changes.
Women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should be especially vigilant. However, even those without known risk factors can benefit from these exams.While a self-breast exam guide is a useful tool, it’s important to remember that this practice complements, but does not replace, regular screenings and professional check-ups.
What Is a Self-Breast Exam
A self-breast exam is a simple, quick and non-invasive way to check your breasts for any changes. The goal is to detect lumps, thickened areas or other signs of breast abnormalities that could indicate potential health concerns.
The exam involves two main components: visual inspection and manual examination. During the visual inspection, you observe your breasts in the mirror for any changes in size, shape or skin texture. The manual examination involves feeling your breasts and armpits for lumps or other unusual changes.
5 Tips for Performing a Self-Breast Exam
- Choose the Right Time: Perform your self-breast exam a few days after your menstrual period ends when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. If you are not menstruating, choose a consistent day each month.
- Use a Firm, Smooth Touch: Use the pads of your fingers to perform the manual examination. Keep your fingers flat and together as you move them in small circular motions.
- Cover the Entire Breast Area: Start at the outer edge of your breast and move inwards towards the nipple, making sure to cover the entire breast, including the armpit area. You can follow a pattern, such as moving in circles, up and down vertically, or in a wedge shape from the outer edge to the nipple.
- Check for Symmetry: During the visual inspection, ensure that both breasts are similar in size, shape and position. It’s normal for one breast to be slightly different, but noticeable changes should be monitored.
- Look for Discharge: Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge, especially if it is bloody or milky. Any unexpected discharge should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
It’s important to note that most changes you find are not cancerous. Many women have lumps or changes that are entirely benign. However, being aware of your normal breast condition will help you spot anything that might need a doctor’s attention.
Why Is It Important to Perform a Self-Breast Exam
Performing regular self-breast exams is a proactive way to monitor your breast health. While these exams are not a substitute for professional screenings, they serve as an important supplement, particularly in between doctor visits
5 Benefits of Performing a Self-Breast Exam
- Early Detection of Abnormalities: Identifying unusual changes, such as lumps, dimpling, or discharge, early can help in catching potential issues before they develop further. This is crucial for improving treatment options and outcomes.
- Increased Awareness: By regularly performing self-exams, you become more familiar with the normal texture and appearance of your breasts. This heightened awareness makes it easier to notice any new or unusual changes.
- Timely Medical Consultation: Spotting changes early allows you to seek professional advice sooner. This proactive approach enables timely intervention and can lead to more effective treatment if necessary.
- Supplement to Professional Screenings: Self-exams complement professional screenings by providing an additional layer of monitoring. They are particularly useful in identifying changes between routine doctor visits.
- Empowerment and Control: Regular self-exams empower you to take an active role in your breast health. Knowing that you are taking steps to monitor your condition can be reassuring and motivating.
How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam
This self-breast exam guide outlines the steps to ensure you conduct the exam effectively:
1. Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Look for any visible changes such as swelling, dimpling or changes in the nipple’s position. Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.
2. Manual Examination (Standing): With your right hand behind your head, use the pads of your fingers on your left hand to feel your right breast. Move your fingers in a circular motion, covering the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side. Use different pressure levels to feel both the superficial and deeper tissues. Repeat on the left breast with your right hand.
3. Manual Examination (Lying Down): When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly, making it easier to feel lumps or abnormalities. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use your left hand to examine your right breast using the same circular motion as before. Repeat for the left breast.
4. Check the Armpits: Feel your armpits while standing or lying down, as breast tissue extends into this area. Look for lumps or thickened areas.
Following these breast self-examination tips regularly, ideally once a month, helps you maintain awareness of your breast health.
When Should You See a Breast Specialist
While regular self-exams are an important part of breast health, they are not a substitute for professional care. If you discover changes during your self-breast exam, it’s important to consult our breast specialist promptly.
You should seek medical advice if you notice:
- A lump that feels different from the rest of your breast tissue or is new
- Changes in the size, shape or appearance of your breast
- Skin dimpling or puckering
- Nipple discharge that is not related to breastfeeding
Persistent pain in one spot
Early detection through self-exams and professional screenings like mammograms and clinical exams is key to addressing concerns quickly.
Dr Andrew Lee, a specialist in oncoplastic breast surgery at the International Specialist Clinic, offers care and support. With his experience and commitment to patient-centred care, Dr. Lee provides thorough evaluations and personalised treatment plans.
If you have any concerns about your breast health, schedule a consultation with Dr Andrew Lee to address your worries.
Key Takeaways: Enhance Your Breast Health with Comprehensive Breast Care
Empowering yourself with knowledge and regular self-exams is a vital step in maintaining your breast health. This self-breast exam guide is designed to help you become familiar with your body, enabling you to detect changes early and seek medical advice when necessary.
At the International Specialist Clinic, we are committed to supporting your health journey. If you notice any signs of breast abnormalities or have concerns about your breast health, our dedicated team is here to provide compassionate, professional care.
Regular self-exams, combined with professional screenings, form a comprehensive approach to breast health, giving you peace of mind and control over your well-being.