Breast Self-Exam

Doing a breast self-exam at home helps you detect breast changes so you can discuss them with a healthcare provider. Regular self-breast exams can help you maintain breast health and detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Most lumps and abnormalities aren’t cancer, but you should still share any changes with a provider

What is a breast self-exam?

A breast self-exam is a step-by-step method you can use to examine your breasts. By looking at and feeling your breasts regularly, you can better notice changes in your breasts or detect when something feels different. Most healthcare providers agree that while mammograms are the best screening tool to detect breast abnormalities, a breast exam you can do at home is the best way for you to be familiar with your own breasts.

There are a few different ways to perform a breast exam at home

Looking in a mirror

Take off your shirt and bra and stand in front of a mirror. Put your arms down by your sides. Look for any changes in breast shape, breast swelling, dimpling in your skin or changes in the position of your nipples. Next, raise your arms high over your head and look for the same things. Finally, put your hands on your hips and press firmly to make your chest muscles flex. Look for the same changes again. Be sure to look at both breasts.

Manual breast self-exam while standing

Remove your shirt and bra. Use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa. With the pads of your three middle fingers, press on every part of one breast. Use light pressure, then medium, then firm. Feel for any lumps, thick spots or other changes. A circular pattern may help you make sure you hit every spot. Then, press the tissue nearest your armpit. Be sure to check under your areola (area around your nipple) and then squeeze your nipple to check for discharge. Repeat the steps on the other side.

Manual breast self-exam while lying down

When you lie down, your breast tissue spreads more evenly. This makes it a good position to feel for changes, especially if your breasts are large. Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, apply the same technique as option 2, using the pads of your middle fingers to press all parts of your breast tissue and under your armpit. Finally, swap the pillow to the other side, and check your other breast and armpit. Be sure to check under your areola and then squeeze your nipple to check for discharge.

Keep in mind that your breast tissue extends to your armpit, collarbone and top of your abdomen. Your breast tissue isn’t just your breast cleavage and nipples.

Is a self-breast exam better than a mammogram or thermalytix?

A breast self-exam shouldn’t replace a mammogram or a breast exam from a healthcare provider. A breast self-exam is an at-home tool you can use between annual mammograms or clinical breast exams your provider performs. It shouldn’t be a substitute for a mammogram.

Still in doubt? you can book a home screening with us.