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Breast self-exams play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Women detect eight out of 10 breast cancers between visits to their physicians. Women who routinely perform breast self-exams can usually detect an unusual mass in their breasts much sooner than women who do not practice breast self-exams.
Before you begin a breast self-exam, you should be aware that every woman's breasts are different. The key to the success of the self-exam is knowing the shape and texture of your own breasts so you can recognize any changes or abnormalities that might occur. Remember, when you are doing your breast self-exam, you are looking for masses within the soft tissue of your breasts, or changes in their appearance.
Since your breast size, sensitivity, and even texture can vary throughout the month, it is important to do the self-exam at the same time each month. Women who are menstruating should do their breast self-exam at the end of their menstrual cycle. Women who take estrogen should conduct their exams on a non-hormone day. Women who do not have periods, and those taking estrogen every day, should conduct their exam during the first week of the month.
Here is an illustrated step-by-step explanation of the Seven-Step breast self-exam procedure for examining your breasts.
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Step 1. -- Bath or Shower
Examine your breasts as you bathe or shower. Your hands will glide easily over wet skin.
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Step 2. -- Circular Motion
Place one hand behind your head. With your other hand, press flat fingers gently in small circular motions. Begin with your index finger next to your collarbone. Move your hand in a circular fashion, clockwise around the breast. You will feel a ridge of tissue in the lower curve of your breast. When you reach the top of your breast, move in three fingers and continue circling and sliding around your breast. Continue until you reach the nipple. Repeat this step with your other breast.
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Step 3. -- Squeeze Nipple
Squeeze the nipple gently between thumb and index finger. Any discharge, whether clear or bloody, should be reported to your physician.
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Step 4. -- Mirror
After your shower, stand before a mirror and examine your breasts visually. Look for anything unusual, such as puckering skin, dimpling, scaling, or color changes.
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Step 5. -- Hands Behind Head
Watching closely in the mirror, clasp hands behind your head and press elbows forward. You should be able to feel your chest muscles tighten. Notice the contour of your breasts.
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Step 6. -- Hands on Hip
Press hands firmly on hips and bow slightly toward the mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. When you are aware of your breasts' natural contours, any future change will become apparent.
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Step 7. -- Lie Down
Lie flat on your back with your left arm over your head and a pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder. This position flattens the breast and makes the exam easier. With your right hand, press flat fingers gently in small circular motions. Begin with your index finger next to your collarbone. Move your hand in a circular fashion, clockwise around the breast. You will feel a ridge of tissue in the lower curve of your breast. When you reach the top of your breast, move in three fingers and continue circling and sliding around your breast. Continue until you reach the nipple. Repeat this step with your right breast. Hand lotion will allow your hands to slide smoothly.
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