Breast self-examination – when and how?
Regular breast self-examination is a simple but extremely important way to detect changes early that may need further testing. It helps you know your own body and notice worrying symptoms sooner.
When should you perform breast self-examination?
Once a month
- 2–3 days after your period ends — breasts are then least swollen and it is easier to feel any changes
- After menopause — on the same day each month
- While breastfeeding — after feeding, when the breast is emptied
Visual assessment
Start with careful observation of your breasts in the mirror in three positions:
- Arms at your sides
- Arms raised overhead
- Hands on your hips (tensing the chest muscles)
During observation, assess:
- breast symmetry
- change in shape or size
- swelling or indentation of part of the breast
- skin condition: thickening, dimpling, “orange peel” skin, redness
- nipple appearance: inversion, change in direction, discharge
Breast examination standing and lying down
Self-examination is best done standing (e.g. in the shower) and lying down, with a pillow under the shoulder on the side of the breast being examined.
How to examine:
- Use the three middle fingers of one hand
- Gently move them over the entire breast and armpit area
- Vary pressure: light → medium → firm
Directions of movement:
- In circles — from the nipple outward
- Or vertically — up-and-down strips
Areas to cover
During the examination, make sure you include:
- the entire breast
- the inframammary fold
- the area above the breast
- the space between the breast and armpit
- the armpit — lymph nodes
What should you pay special attention to?
Lumps and changes in breast texture:
- a single hard, immobile lump
- thickening or an area of different consistency
- a sheet-like area in one part of the breast
- newly developed asymmetry
Skin changes:
- redness, swelling, warmth
- dimples, indentations, “orange peel” skin
- skin pulled inward
Nipple changes:
- inversion or distortion
- discharge (especially bloody or serous)
Lymph node changes:
- enlarged, hard nodes in the armpit or above the collarbone
See a doctor immediately if:
- you feel a new change — even if it is painless
- you notice a change in shape, skin, or nipple
- nipple discharge appears
- one-sided breast pain persists
