Breast self-exam

Breast self-exam

Learn how to properly perform a potentially life-saving test.
Updated:
2009-10-08 23:09
Published:
2003-08-01 00:00
By 
The Canadian Breast Cancer Network

Your breast health

Reprinted from the Breast Self Exam Shower Card

Why should I do a Breast Self Examination (BSE)?
To know what is normal for your breasts, so changes can be found early.

When should I do a BSE?
Once a month. If menstruating, do one week after your periods. 

How do I do a BSE?
In front of a well-lit mirror with arms at your side carefully look at your breasts.

• Look for CHANGES in the size and/or shape, for rashes, puckering of the skin and CHANGES in the nipples.
• It is normal for breasts to be of different sizes.
• Place hands behind your head and look again.
• Put your hands on your hips and squeeze. Look for CHANGES.

In the shower or bath
• Think of your breasts as a clock. Move the flat part of your three middle fingers in small circular motions from the outer part of the breast including the nipple. Press firmly.
• Start at "12 o'clock" and feel all around the breast. Feel under the nipple.
• With your arm at your side, feel up under the breast into the armpit.
• It is normal to feel a ridge at the bottom of your breast.
• Cover the area from just below the collar bone and under your arms, to under your bra line.
• Repeat the exam on the other breast with your opposite hand.

Lying down
• Place a rolled up towel or small pillow under the side you are examining to center the breast evenly on your chest.
• With your hand behind your head, start at "12 o'clock" and check all around the breast as you did in the shower.
• Now place the back of your hand on your forehead and roll slightly away from the side you are examining. Check the outer half of the breast and up into the armpit.

Remember
• Most breast lumps are not cancerous.
• If you notice CHANGES or find a lump or thickening of tissue, see your Doctor immediately.

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  • Ann Lafleur wrote:

    Feb 06, 2004

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I want to express my opinion about self-breast examination.....I just read the article where the lady said she didn't think self-breast examination was warranted...well let me say this...I found my own lump...went to the Dr. and then had a mastectomy.....had I waited on my Dr. to do I would still be waiting....and now I have found the second lump....all I can say to all the women out there...please do the self breast examination...it can save your life....Ann

  • Kiera wrote:

    Nov 10, 2003

    2009-09-22 10:47 AM

    I have read conflicting information about BSE. My inclination is that most people will not be able to tell the difference from one month to the next very easily, I most certainly could not - remember everything without photos (not likely to do that!). I also recognize that it is far too difficult to tell if what you feel is normally there or something unusual. After two episodes of thinking I felt something new and being told it was part of what is normally there I stopped this practice as I literally find it impossible to tell the difference. I find it is far too stressful to be thinking about this on an ongoing basis and absolutely embarrasing to 'cry wolf'. Clearly I lean on the side of leaving the investigation to the professionals. Yes I have read all the arguments- I just think it is promoting unnecessary fear. Unless you have a family history of breast cancer it doesn't seem realistic to think you can actually find this yourself.

  • Patricia Phillips wrote:

    Oct 13, 2009

    2009-11-18 2:59 PM

    I am a survivor of about eighteen years of five different operations for cancer starting iin both breastsat the same time. I still examine myself weekly and have a mamogram yearly. This is requested by my doctor. Fear of the mamo is one reason women don't want to have them. It;s worth that little pinch to be sure of being a survivor.

  • sandra gentili wrote:

    Aug 11, 2005

    2009-11-18 3:01 PM

    thank you for this informative article. I have a question regarding the pill. I am not sure if all birth control pills are equal in estrogen quantity and wonder how they may affect risk if taken for extended time period, 7-10 years? Also if there are no other risk factors except the pill. thanks.
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