How to Give a Breast Self-Exam

Here’s the hard truth: everyone who has breasts should be doing a monthly breast self-exam. It doesn’t have to be tedious, you and your partner can give them to each other, which can also help with accountability!

Before we go into the how-to, let’s go over some breast facts!

Breast Awareness and Care

It’s October, and that means it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). So, let’s talk about NBCAM, breast awareness, and taking care of your breasts. 

What we now know as NBCAM started in 1985 as a week-long project to promote screening for breast cancer. Today, while it is not without critique, it is a popular annual month-long event focused on raising awareness, spreading education, and fundraising activities.

Facts About Breasts

Let’s be honest; breasts are fascinating. You probably already know a lot about them. And here are a few research-informed facts to add to your breast knowledge.

- Breasts are not just made of fat. They are also composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, ligaments, and a complex glandular system.

- Breasts, areolae, and nipples come in various shapes and sizes. Genetics, body fat, age, and hormones all factor into these differences.

- Your breasts may not be the exact same size, shape, or density. Naturally asymmetrical breasts are common and usually not a cause for concern.

- Nipples are full of nerve endings and, thus, super sensitive to touch. Yes, you can have an orgasm from nipple stimulation alone. And everybody has nipples, so nipple orgasms are theoretically available to everyone.

The presence of a third nipple, called a supernumerary nipple, is more common among people assigned male at birth. And supernumerary nipples are sometimes mistaken to be moles.

Breast Wellness Awareness

If you own a set of breasts, regardless of their shape or size, you need to give them a little attention and care. 

Be proactive about your breast health. Do your monthly self-exams. And talk to your healthcare provider about annual clinical exams and the optimal cancer screening options for you.

Your lifestyle choices affect your breasts. So, of course, do the obvious things like eating a healthy diet and staying active. Also, maintain a good body posture, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting in a desk chair. 

If you are a person who wears bras or binders, wear them wisely. Choose the right size, material, and support level for your needs. Wear the right style of bra or binder for your activities. And replace them when they wear out.

The skin on your breasts is sensitive. Be sure your soap or body wash contains added moisturizers and is not drying. Apply lotion regularly and sunscreen as needed. 

Breast Self-Exams

Anyone with breasts should do a self-exam once a month as a part of proactive breast health maintenance. Self-exams take only a few minutes, and they give you a chance to look and feel for any changes that need to be reported to your medical provider.

Here are some general guidelines for breast self-exams. Always consult your medical provider for advice on what you need to do to take care of your breast health.

Steps for a Basic Breast Self-Exam

Here are the basic steps of a breast exam you can do yourself monthly. You can go here or here to start if you want more detailed instructions or visuals.

First, do a visual inspection while standing in front of a mirror. Start with your arms positioned down by your sides, then move your arms so they are raised straight up. Look at your breasts for any changes to your breast shape, skin, or nipples. Squeeze each nipple gently to check for any discharge.

Second, do a manual inspection standing up while you’re soaped up in the shower. Use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa. Using light, medium, then firm pressure, go in a circular pattern and press on every part of each breast. Check for any lumps, knots, or changes.

Third, while lying down on your back on the bed, do the same manual inspection you did in the shower.

Tips for Breast Self-Exams

- Perform your breast self-exam with your shirt and bra or binder off. Use the pad of your middle three fingers.

- Although rare, people assigned male at birth can develop breast cancer. So they should regularly check for changes in their breast tissue.

- If you menstruate, your breasts change throughout your cycle, so it’s best to do your self-exams at the same point in your cycle each month. Doctors suggest doing it in the week after your period. If you don’t menstruate, you can do it any time of the month. Either way, an excellent way to remember it is to put your exam date in your calendar or set a reminder.

- If you are uncertain about the process of performing a self-exam, ask your healthcare provider to show you how to do it.

- If you notice any changes in your breasts, make an appointment to see your medical provider. Many lumps and bumps are nothing serious, but it’s best to get checked out as soon as possible.