Breast Self-Exam Guide

Breast Self-Examination | Breast Self-Examination with Breast Implants

Early Detection

No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, and it is difficult to predict who will get it. Your best line of defense is to follow screening guidelines for early detection as recommended by the American Cancer Society:

Age 20-39
Monthly breast self-exam, clinical breast exam every three years

Age 40-49
Monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical breast exam, mammography every 1-2 years, baseline mammogram by age 40

Age 50+
Monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical breast exam, annual mammography

Breast Self-Exam Instructions

Breast self-exam can seem intimidating at first, but each time you examine your breasts you will become more familiar and comfortable with your breast tissue. As you get to know what your breasts normally look and feel like, you'll be able to notice any changes that may occur. It is normal for breasts to feel lumpy — by identifying your own natural "lumps," you'll be able to tell if something is different.

Take note of the size and shape of each of your breasts, and the position of each nipple. It is normal for one breast to be larger than another. Experts suggest checking about one week after your period. You may want to check with your healthcare provider for the best way to perform the exam. The American Cancer Society suggests the following procedure:¹

1. Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
   
   
2. Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast.
   
   
3. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
   
   
4. Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month.
        
5. Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)

If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.

Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.

For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month.

If you find any lumps, thickenings, or changes, tell your doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but you won't know if you don't ask. When tumors are detected in the very earliest stages, the survival rate can approach 100 percent.

Special Tips for Women with Breast Implants

If you have breast implants, you should perform breast self-examination monthly on your implanted breast. In order to do this effectively, you should ask your surgeon to help you distinguish the implant from your breast tissue.

Press firmly inward at the edges of the breast implants to feel the ribs beneath, checking for any lumps or bumps. However, be careful not to manipulate (i.e., squeeze) the valve on the implant excessively, which may cause valve leakage and make the breast implant deflate. Any new lumps or suspicious lesions (sores) should be evaluated with a biopsy. If a biopsy is performed, care must be taken to avoid puncturing the implant.

 

¹ "ACS News Today", The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org