9 Essential Steps to a Successful Monthly Breast Self-Examination

Posted October 15, 2024 in Breast Health

close up of a female upper body in black bra

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As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to prioritize your breast health and remind yourself of the importance of regular self-exams in early cancer detection.

Detecting breast cancer early dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. Monthly breast self-exams are a crucial component of early detection, allowing you to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can identify changes early. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to performing a thorough breast self-examination.

When to Perform Your Monthly Self-Exam

It’s important to perform your breast self-exams consistently. The ideal time is five to seven days after the last day of your period. Hormonal changes can cause temporary swelling or tenderness in your breasts during your menstrual cycle, which could make it harder to detect any subtle differences. If you’re post-menopausal or have irregular periods, pick the same day every month to conduct your exam. Give yourself five to ten minutes for a thorough and complete check.

Step 1: Visual Inspection in Front of a Mirror

Start by facing a mirror and carefully inspecting the appearance of your breasts. Here’s what to look for:

  • SIZE, SHAPE, or SYMMETRY: Your breasts might not be exactly the same size, but sudden changes in their size or shape can be a warning sign.
  • PUCKERING or DIMPLING: These changes in skin texture could indicate underlying issues.
  • NIPPLE CHANGES: Check to see if your nipples are becoming inverted or if there’s any unusual discharge.

Step 2: Hands-on-Hips Inspection

Next, press your hands firmly on your hips. This position helps to highlight any visible changes in your breast tissue that may be obscured in a relaxed state. Look for any distortion or change in the contour of your breasts.

Step 3: Arms Overhead Inspection

Raise your arms overhead and press your palms together. This movement will stretch the breast tissue, allowing you to check again for size, shape, and symmetry changes. Watch closely for any areas where the skin appears pulled or puckered, and note any unusual dimpling or swelling.

Step 4: Bottom Fold Inspection

Lift each breast to examine the ridges along the bottom folds. You are looking for new asymmetry or changes along the natural crease where the breast tissue meets the chest. This area is where abnormalities can sometimes be missed if not closely inspected.

Step 5: Physical Examination—Use Your Fingers

After the visual inspection, it’s time to conduct the physical part of your self-exam. When examining your breasts, use the pads of your three middle fingers, not the tips, as they provide more sensitivity to the subtle changes in your breast tissue.

Step 6: Start at the Collarbone

Begin by placing your fingers just beneath your collarbone. Move your fingers in small, circular motions as you work your way down toward the areola and nipple. Be systematic, ensuring you cover the entire breast area, including the outer edges near the armpit.

Step 7: Apply Different Levels of Pressure

When examining your breasts, use varying levels of pressure to explore different tissue depths:

  • LIGHT PRESSURE: for the tissue closest to the skin
  • MEDIUM PRESSURE: to feel deeper tissue
  • FIRM PRESSURE: for the deepest tissue near your chest wall and ribs

This method ensures you’re thoroughly assessing all layers of the breast tissue, which is essential for detecting any lumps or abnormalities.

Step 8: Follow a Pattern

Consistency is key. Choose a pattern that allows you to examine every area of the breast thoroughly. You can:

  • CLOCK: Imagine a clock face and examine your breast from the 12 o’clock position all the way around.
  • PIE: Visualize your breast as if it were divided into slices of a pie, ensuring each section is thoroughly inspected.

Whichever method you choose, following the same pattern each time is important to avoid missing any part of the breast.

Step 9: Check Both Breasts

Finally, repeat the physical exam process for your other breast, and don’t forget to examine the area around your armpits for any lumps or changes.

Schedule Your Annual Breast Exam in Santa Rosa, CA

Monthly breast self-examinations are a simple yet effective way to take control of your breast health. By becoming familiar with your breasts and learning to identify changes early, you can significantly improve the chances of catching any problems before they become serious. Early detection remains one of the most critical factors in successfully treating breast cancer. Make your self-exams a consistent part of your routine, and always consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes.

To schedule your next breast exam with Women’s OB/GYN Medical Group, a trusted and experienced healthcare provider in Santa Rosa, CA, contact our office at (707) 575-3941 or complete our online contact form.