How to Do a Self-Check Breast Exam In Between Visits

Every year, hundreds of thousands of women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the United States, and more than 40,000 women die of the disease. 

Breast screenings play an essential role in diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. However, in between those screenings, home exams are important, too.

At Feminine Urgicare, we offer professional breast screening using in-office evaluations and mammograms. In this post, our team offers some tips to help you perform those all-important self-exams between your office visits. 

Timing is important

Try to perform a self-exam every month to make it easy to remember. Aim for 3-5 days after your period, when your breasts are less likely to be sore. If you’re in menopause, choose the same day each month for your exam.

Visual examination

The first step is to perform a visual exam. Standing in front of a mirror, relax your shoulders and let your arms hang at your sides. Look for unusual issues, like:

• Skin puckering or “dimples”
• A difference in size or shape between your breasts
• Redness or other discoloration
• Changes in the nipple appearance

Look for general changes in skin texture, too.

Raise Arms

Next, raise your arms over your head. In this position, the skin around your breasts is pulled taut, making it easier to see irregularities around your breasts. Look for unusual changes in breast size, puckering, pulling, or unusual bumps.

Lean forward

Now, place your hands on your hips and lean forward slightly. This position tightens your chest muscles, making some irregularities more pronounced. Perform the same visual evaluation as you did in the prior two positions.

Palpate your breasts

Now, it’s time to gently palpate your breasts. Raise your right arm and gently bend it behind your head to spread your breast tissue. 

You can do this step lying down or in the shower, where soapy skin can help your fingers glide more easily. If you lie down, place a pillow under your shoulder to spread the breast tissue more evenly.

Move your fingers in small, circular motions across your breasts, using the pads of your fingers. Vary pressures, using light to firm pressure to evaluate different layers of tissue. Pay attention to any unusual lumps or bumps or any areas of discomfort. 

Following a pattern. For example, working outward in a circular motion from your nipple to the outer edge of your breasts ensures you don’t miss any areas. 

When you finish one breast, switch positions and examine the other breast.

Check your nipples

Finally, check your nipples. Gently squeeze each nipple and look for discharge or pain. Check the areola for scaliness, flaking, or any other unusual changes. 

Don’t rush

Checking your breasts thoroughly can take several minutes, and considering the benefits it offers, it’s time well spent. If you find anything unusual, call the office right away and schedule a professional exam.

Make breast health a priority

Performing a self-check breast exam is a good way to play a more proactive role in your own health and wellness. Still, it’s important to note that breast self-exams are not a substitute for clinical breast exams and mammograms. 

While a self-exam can be helpful in spotting some irregularities, other abnormal issues can be very subtle, and a professional exam and imaging play important roles in spotting those issues for further evaluation. 

To schedule your exam, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.