How to perform a breast self exam

How to perform a breast self exam

Introduction

Knowing how to perform a breast self exam is an important step in maintaining your health. This simple practice helps you become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. By doing this regularly, you can detect any unusual changes early and seek medical advice promptly.

A breast self exam is easy to do and requires no special equipment. It can be done at home, in privacy, and takes only a few minutes. Understanding the correct method ensures you check all areas thoroughly.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

Why perform a breast self exam?

• To notice lumps or changes in breast tissue
• To identify skin changes or nipple discharge
• To increase awareness of your breast health

Regular self-exams complement routine clinical exams and mammograms. They empower you to take an active role in your health care. Remember, early detection improves treatment options and outcomes.

Key facts about how to perform a breast self exam

Knowing how to perform a breast self exam is an important step in maintaining breast health. This simple routine helps you become familiar with your breasts and notice any changes early.

• Perform the exam once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breasts are less tender.
• Use the pads of your three middle fingers to feel for lumps or thickened areas in a circular pattern.
• Check both breasts while lying down and standing up, including the armpit area.
• Look for visible changes such as dimpling, puckering, or changes in size or shape in front of a mirror.
• Report any unusual findings, such as lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes, to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Breast self exams do not replace regular clinical exams or mammograms but complement them.
• Practising this exam regularly increases your confidence and awareness of your breast health.

Symptoms to watch for during a breast self exam

Knowing how to perform a breast self exam helps you identify changes early. Common symptoms include lumps, swelling, or pain in the breast or underarm area. These signs may vary in severity and can appear suddenly or develop over time.

Common Symptoms

• A distinct lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Nipple discharge that is unusual or bloody
• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin

Less Common Symptoms

• Persistent breast pain not related to the menstrual cycle
• Nipple inversion or changes in nipple position
• Swelling of part or all of the breast

Red Flags

Seek medical advice promptly if you notice any of the following:

• A new lump that feels hard or irregular
• Rapid changes in breast size or skin texture
• Unexplained nipple discharge, especially if bloody
• Persistent pain or discomfort in one breast

Regularly practising how to perform a breast self exam increases your awareness of normal breast changes. This awareness helps you detect symptoms early and seek timely care.

Causes and risk factors related to breast health

Understanding how to perform a breast self exam is important because it helps identify changes that may signal health issues. Several causes and risk factors can influence breast health, including age, sex, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices.

Age and sex

Breast cancer risk increases with age, especially after 50. Women are more likely to develop breast conditions, but men can also be affected. Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy may also impact breast tissue.

Comorbidities

Certain medical conditions raise the risk of breast problems. These include:

• Family history of breast cancer
• Previous breast biopsies showing abnormal cells
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity and diabetes

Lifestyle factors

Daily habits can affect breast health. Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and lack of physical activity increase risk. A balanced diet and regular exercise help maintain healthy breast tissue.

By knowing these causes and risk factors, individuals can better understand how to perform a breast self exam effectively and When to seek medical advice.

Diagnosis process after a breast self exam

When you visit your healthcare provider for a breast evaluation, the process begins with a detailed clinical assessment. This includes discussing your medical history and any symptoms you may have noticed. Understanding your family history of breast conditions is also important.

Clinical Evaluation

The physical exam involves a careful inspection and palpation of both breasts and surrounding areas. Your provider will look for lumps, changes in skin texture, or nipple abnormalities. This hands-on exam helps identify any areas that need further investigation.

Common Tests

Depending on the findings, your provider may recommend additional tests such as:

• Mammography – an X-ray of the breast to detect abnormalities
• Ultrasound – uses sound waves to examine breast tissue
• Biopsy – removal of a small tissue sample for analysis

These tests help confirm a diagnosis and guide treatment options.

What Patients Can Expect

During your visit, your provider may also teach you how to perform a breast self exam. This skill empowers you to monitor your breast health regularly and notice any changes early. Learning how to perform a breast self exam is a key step in proactive breast care.

Treatment and management of breast conditions

Conservative and medical treatments

Treatment for breast conditions often begins with conservative methods. These include pain relief with over-the-counter medications and warm compresses. When infections occur, antibiotics may be prescribed. In some cases, hormonal therapy helps manage symptoms linked to menstrual cycles.

Lifestyle measures

Adopting healthy habits supports breast health and symptom control. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce discomfort. Wearing a well-fitted bra provides proper support and may ease pain. It is also important to limit caffeine and reduce stress, as these factors can influence breast sensitivity.

Follow-up and monitoring

Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider ensures symptoms are monitored and managed effectively. Patients should be taught how to perform a breast self exam to detect any changes early. This simple, monthly routine helps identify lumps or abnormalities promptly, allowing timely medical evaluation.

Prevention and self-care: How to perform a breast self exam

Knowing how to perform a breast self exam is a key step in early detection of changes. Regular self-exams help you become familiar with your breasts and notice any unusual signs promptly.

How to perform a breast self exam

• Choose a comfortable time, such as a few days after your period ends.
• Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips.
• Look for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
• Raise your arms and check for the same changes.
• Use the pads of your fingers to feel your breasts while lying down, moving in small circular motions.
• Cover the entire breast area, including under the arms and up to the collarbone.
• Repeat the exam while standing or sitting, often easier in the shower.

Dos and don’ts of breast self-care

• Do perform self-exams monthly to track any changes.
• Do report any lumps, pain, or unusual discharge to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Do maintain a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.
• Don’t panic if you find a lump; many are benign.
• Don’t skip regular clinical exams and mammograms as recommended.

When to seek medical help after a breast self exam

Knowing when to seek medical help is important for your health. If you notice any unusual changes during how to perform a breast self exam, act promptly. Some signs require urgent care, while others can be checked during a routine visit.

Urgent care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A new lump that feels hard or irregular
• Sudden nipple discharge, especially if bloody
• Severe breast pain or swelling
• Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or puckering
• Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

These symptoms may indicate a serious condition and should be evaluated quickly.

Routine care

Book a routine appointment if you notice:

• Mild tenderness or discomfort related to your menstrual cycle
• Small, soft lumps that move easily under the skin
• Minor changes in breast size or shape without other symptoms
• Any concerns or questions about how to perform a breast self exam

Regular check-ups help monitor your breast health and address any concerns early.

FAQs about how to perform a breast self exam

How often should I perform a breast self exam?

It is best to perform a breast self exam once a month. Choose a consistent time, such as a few days after your period ends, when breasts are less tender and swollen.

What steps should I follow during a breast self exam?

To perform a breast self exam, follow these steps:

• Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips.
• Look for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
• Raise your arms and check for the same changes.
• Lie down and use your opposite hand to feel your breast in small circular motions.
• Check the entire breast area, including under the armpits.

What should I look for during the exam?

Look for lumps, thickening, or hard knots. Also, watch for changes in skin colour, dimpling, nipple discharge, or inversion.

What if I find a lump or change?

If you find any unusual lumps or changes, do not panic. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider promptly for a professional evaluation.

Can men perform a breast self exam?

Yes, men can perform a breast self exam. Although breast cancer is less common in men, early detection is important for all.

Summary

Knowing how to perform a breast self exam is an important step in taking charge of your health. This simple routine helps you become familiar with your breasts, making it easier to notice any changes early. Regular self-exams can support early detection of potential issues, which improves the chances of successful treatment.

To perform a breast self exam effectively, remember to:

• Check your breasts visually in front of a mirror for any changes in shape, size, or skin texture.
• Use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps or thickened areas while lying down and standing up.
• Examine all parts of your breasts, including the area under your arms and up to your collarbone.

If you notice any unusual changes, such as lumps, dimpling, or persistent pain, consult a clinician promptly. They can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you on the next steps. Remember, regular breast self exams complement professional screenings and help you stay proactive about your breast health.

References

• Health Canada – Breast Cancer
• Mayo Clinic – Breast Self-Exam
• World Health Organization – Breast Cancer

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.