How to Perform a Self Breast Exam

by Dr. Robyn Roth, Radiologist and Breast Health Expert, @theboobiedocs

Did you know that about 80% of young people discover their own breast cancer?  Which is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can recognize a change. 

Practice makes perfect! Putting on and taking off your bra is the perfect opportunity to perform a self-breast exam. Here’s how! 

1. Check your breasts at least once a month. Choose the same time each month (ideally 5-7 days after your period when your breasts are least hormonally active). 

2. Look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms at your sides and above your head.  Place your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles. Look for any changes in size, contour, swelling, rashes or dimpling of the skin, or changes to the nipples. 

3. Feel each breast for any changes in the shower and/or lying down. Raise your arm, and with the pads of your 3 middle fingers, feel the entire opposite breast in circular motions pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Don’t forget the armpit and clavicle! (Yes, you have breast tissue in the armpit!)

Check both breasts each month for any lumps, skin thickening, nipple discharge, or any other breast changes.  Though milky, green, and clear nipple discharge may be normal, bloody nipple discharge should prompt evaluation, especially if one-sided.

Practice makes perfect. The more consistently you examine your breasts, the more comfortable you will become with how your breasts normally look and feel.

If you notice any changes, pay attention to the area of concern over the next few days and ensure the area is not getting larger or harder. Bring any concerns to the attention of your OBGYN or healthcare professional as soon as possible so they can do a clinical breast exam and order imaging if appropriate. (Ultrasound < age 30, mammogram and ultrasound age 30+) 

Thankfully most lumps will be due to benign causes such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or dense breast tissue, but better safe than sorry! Don’t be afraid to ask for imaging if you need reassurance.  

Also, make sure you are up-to-date on routine breast cancer screening. Annual mammography is recommended beginning at age 40 for average risk individuals; high-risk individuals should consider starting screening earlier and adding MRI or ultrasound depending on breast cancer risk-factors such as family history, dense breasts, genetic mutations, prior chest wall radiation to name a few.

Follow @theboobiedocs for more of the BREAST information. Also, check out @knowyourlemons & @titcheckorg for lots of incredible resources. 

Dr. Robyn Roth is a board-certified radiologist specializing in Breast and Abdominal Imaging, but better known as @TheBoobieDocs, her popular social media platform where she discusses breast cancer and breast health in an educational and fun way. She is hosting her second annual BOO-bie Bash Masquerade supporting Living Beyond Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 26 in New Jersey, of which ThirdLove is proud to be a sponsor.