Instructions for Breast Self Examination
by Darline Turner Lee, Physician Assistant, ACSM Exercise Specialist
Article Last Reviewed: Sept. 9, 2006
In this story each of the breast cancer survivors discovered their own
breast lumps. Monthly breast self-exams are the first step towards early
detection of breast cancer and improved treatment outcomes and long-term
survival. Performing breast self examination is easy. Just follow these
simple steps:
1. Do breast self-exams every month, the same time each month. Perform
the exams one to two days after you complete your menstrual cycle, or
if you are post-menopausal, on the same date (such as your birthdate)
each month.
2. Remove all your clothes from the waist up.
3. Look at your breast in the mirror, noting the size, shape and color.
Note any discolorations, dimpling of the skin or protrusions, or changes
in the nipples. Raise your arms above your head and look again. Press
your fists to your hips and look again. Bend over at the waist and look
at your breasts in the mirror, again looking for discolorations, skin
dimples or protrusions and changes in the nipple.
4. Either standing or lying down, place one hand behind your head. Using
the other hand and keeping the fingers flat, apply gently pressure to
your breast feeling for any lumps. You may feel in an up and down pattern,
an across the chest pattern or a circular pattern. Be sure to feel under
your arm and as far medially as the breastbone. Gently squeeze the nipple
and look for any discharge.
5. Switch hand positions and do the other side.
Have a healthcare provider evaluate any suspicious findings immediately.
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