Techniques for Self Breast Exam

A Breast exam and information regarding breast cancer should be important to most women.   Changes to your breast can occur due to stress, timing of menstrual cycle, pregnancy, infection, lactating and more.  Breast exam can still be done while pregnant or with breast implants.

Visualization of breast as well as examination of the breast tissue.   Initially no specific tissue differences will be felt. But over time a difference will be noted.  Soft tissue will be noted, what to look for is a change in tissue.

“You can’t notice a difference until you
know what normal breast tissue feels like“

2 main techniques:

1.) Up and down technique

Use opposite arm of breast being examined
Use 3 fingers
Use pads of fingers
Use pressure during examination
Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
Start high then go straight down in a line
When to below breast – repeat again
Overlapping is common

2.) Circular technique

Use opposite arm of breast being examined
Use 3 fingers
Use pads of fingers
Use pressure during examination
Examine armpits, breast tissue, and nipples
Move fingers clockwise in each region of breast
Start a very small circle
Expand circle outwards
Move to next region, underarm
Overlapping is common

Divide each breast into 4 regions.

-    Inner upper
-    Inner lower
-    Outer upper
-    Outer lower

Consistency is the key – try to always start with the same breast and in the same direction

Start breast exams both prior and after your period ends. Many women have swelling and pain prior to starting their period.

Our society has become much more aware of breast cancer. With breast cancer awareness month, mammograms, MRIs, self breast exams, and medical provider visits.

Awareness does help in the fight against cancer, but it may also increase fear and concern.

When an Abnormal Area is Felt

Don’t panic

Only a very small number of “abnormal” areas are actually cancer. Most are areas are non-cancerous, breast fibroadenoma, and/or fibrocystic changes.     However, you should inform your medical provider and further test may be necessary

Potential Findings

-    Hard lump
-    Can be near underarm, on breast, or near nipple
-    Abnormal changes
-    Changes in color, texture
-    Changes in size or shape
-    Dimples
-    Inversion of nipple
-    Redness, warmth, or pain
-    Swelling
-    Nipple discharge [abnormal discharge]
-    Rashes, itching
-    Unexplainable sores

Despite decision regarding type of technique, timing of exam, or frequency the key is knowing yourself. A self breast exam may help – but it is currently it is considered optional.