Breast Self-Exam: What to Look For and When to Seek Help

Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of taking care of our breasts. But beyond wearing pink or sharing awareness posts, knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognize changes that may need medical attention. This is where a breast self-exam can come in handy.

How to Check

It’s best to do a breast self-exam while standing in front of a mirror, showering, or lying down. Here’s how:

• Look for visible changes. With your arms at your sides, then raised overhead, check for changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, swelling, or changes in your nipples.

• Feel your breasts gently. Using the pads of your fingers, feel across each breast in small, circular motions. Cover the entire area, from your collarbone to your underarms, using light and firmer pressure without pressing hard enough to hurt.

• Check your nipples. Notice any new changes in their appearance, such as an inward turn or unusual dicharge.

The goal is to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel, rather than to self-diagnose.

Changes to Look Out For

As previously mentioned, watch out for new lumps or thickening, swelling in the breast or armpit, skin dimpling, changes in breast shape, nipple inversion, unusual discharge, or persistent pain. 

Remember that breasts naturally change with menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and aging. Similarly, not every change means breast cancer, but new symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare expert.

Seeking Professional Help

If you notice something during your breast self-exam, arrange a medical consultation as soon as you can. A professional can then determine whether you need further examination or tests. 

That being said, seeking care can feel daunting, especially when consultations and diagnostic tests are costly. If you’re concerned about accessibility, ask your local health center about available breast health services and referrals.

READ: Kicking breast cancer while you can: why diagnosis doesn’t mean death

You can conduct a breast self-exam even when October passes, but remember that it is only one part of your overall breast health. Knowing what is normal, recognizing changes, and being able to access reliable medical care all matter.