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Breast Self-Exam Guide

Why should I do a breast self-exam?

Early discovery and treatment of breast lumps is important in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. Knowing one's breasts helps to detect changes. Breast self-examination is a simple process that takes only a few minutes and is an important technique that any woman can use to help keep herself healthy.

When should I do a breast self-exam?

Breast self-examination should be done monthly and is best done after the completion of one's menstrual period. Women who no longer have periods should select a day of the month to do their self-examination.

How do I perform a breast self-exam?

The self-examination includes looking at the breasts, feeling the breasts, and gently squeezing each breast to check for any discharge. To observe your breasts, stand in front of a mirror. Look for changes such as change in size, dimpling or an inverted or pulled-in nipple. Next, gently squeeze the breast just behind the nipple to see if there is any discharge. The third step is to feel the breasts in a systematic manner. When you do this, be sure to feel deeply through all the breast tissue and to cover all areas of the chest and underarm. It is best to do this when you are lying down, with the arm on the side to be examined behind your head. Think of the breast like the face of a clock with the nipple at the center. Use your three middle fingers held flat against the breast. Do not use your fingertips. Begin at the nipple. With small circular motions, feel all of the tissue out to 12 o'clock. Again, start at the nipple and repeat the circular motion out to 1 o'clock. Then continue to do this with all the other numbers around the clock.

What should I do if I find a lump?

If you detect any unusual lumps or changes, please contact your physician for examination. The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center has a special clinic devoted to breast cancer with a number of experts who collaborate on the care of each patient.

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See Also:

• Childhood Cancer Survivors
• UMCCC Clinical Trials

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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

© 2008 Regents of the University of Michigan / Developed & maintained by: Public Relations & Marketing Communications. Contact Us or UMHS. The information presented is not a tool for self diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.