Regular breast self-examination and mammography should be a part of your preventative health care routine. Regularly examining your breasts can help you notice abnormalities that may indicate a breast condition or cancer early. You should do this at the same time every month to note any changes in the way your breasts look or feel.
If you have menstrual periods, the best time to self-examine is a few days after your period ends. Postmenopausal women should do so the first day of every month. At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group OB/GYN, we encourage our women’s health patients to become familiar with their bodies by performing regular self breast exams.
Breast Self Examination Steps
In Front of a Mirror
With your arms resting at your sides:
- Look carefully for changes in the size, shape, and contour of your breast.
- Look for puckering, dimpling, or any changes in skin texture.
- Gently squeeze and check for any discharge from your nipple.
In the Shower
Raise your arm, with the opposite hand, place the flat part of your fingers on your breast’s outer edge:
- Firmly glide your hand in small circles, spiraling toward the nipple as you touch every part of the breast to feel for lumps, thickenings, or changes.
- Be sure to examine the area between the breast and the underarm and the underarm itself.
- Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin.
- Gently squeeze and check for any discharge from your nipple.
Lying Flat
First, place a towel or pillow under your shoulder and raise your arm, positioning your hand behind your head.
- Using your hand on the opposite side, fingers flat, use the same circular motion described earlier.
- Examine every part of your breast for lumps, thickenings, or changes.
- Be sure to examine the area between your breast and underarm, as well as the underarm itself.
- Feel for any unusual lump or mass under the skin.
- Gently squeeze and check for any discharge from your nipple.
Does breast self examination prevent breast cancer?
While performing regular self breast exams is a great way to become familiar with your body and help you detect abnormalities early, they do not prevent cancer. The main benefit of examining your breasts routinely is your ability to recognize any changes in appearance or texture that may require medical attention. Examining your own breasts should be done in combination with routine mammograms, an imaging procedure that is used to screen for breast cancer.
If you notice a change in your breasts that concerns you, reach out to our team at NGPG OB/GYN. Our breast care specialists bring years of experiencing and access to the latest advancements in care to each patient’s interaction.