How to Check for Breast Cancer

It's important that every woman knows how to do a breast self-examination (BSE), as it can help in early detection of breast cancer, such as lumps, nipple changes, and more. 

Being familiar with what is normal for you will make it easier to recognize any new developments. Furthermore, knowing what's not normal for anyone can help prompt you to bring such issues to your doctor's attention, should you notice them during your BSE.

Breast Anatomy

There are three main sections of a breast. They are known as lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are glands that secrete breast milk. The ducts are vessels or tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. The connective tissue surrounds the ducts and lobules and holds them in place. Breast cancers often start in the ducts or lobules and spread to other tissues.

Breast tissue extends from under your nipple and areola, the pigmented skin around the nipple, up toward your armpit, so a BSE should involve these areas. You'll need a mirror that allows you to see both breasts, a pillow for your head and shoulders, and some privacy.

Breast Self-Exams: Do They Work?

Although a breast self-examination is an important way to check for breast lumps, some medical groups, like the American Cancer Society, don't encourage it. That's because BSE has not been shown to be effective in detecting breast cancer early or reducing mortality in people with breast cancer.

However, one study has shown that 25% of 361 people with breast cancer surveyed detected their disease through self-exam. If you are not sure whether you should perform a self-exam, check with your doctor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do a breast self-exam, as well as some things to keep in mind as you perform yours.

1. Place Your Hands on Your Hip

   Strip to the waist and stand before a mirror. You will need to see both breasts at the same time. Stand with your hands on your hips and check the overall appearance of your breasts.

   Look at the size, shape, and contour. 

   
   Note changes, if any, in the color or texture of the skin on your breasts as well as on your nipples and areolas.

2. Put Your Arms Over Your Head

   Now, raise your arms over your head. See if each breast moves to the same degree and in the same way and note any differences. Look at the size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry.

   Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).

3. Check Your Nipples

   Still facing the mirror, lower both arms.

   Check the nipples to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction (indentation).

   Sometimes, people of any sex can experience nipple discharge. Discharge with manipulation or squeezing of the nipple is less concerning.

   Do not routinely squeeze your nipples when assessing for discharge during the SBE. Squeezing can cause trauma to the breast duct, causing bloody nipple discharge, which can confuse any clinical evaluation.

   Nipple discharge is concerning when it is unilateral (one side) and spontaneous of any color (you notice your bra is wet or has blood in it). Nipple discharge of this type is called pathologic nipple discharge and needs to have the appropriate exam, labs, and imaging studies to investigate further.

4. Stand and Stroke

   This is best done in the shower, as wet skin will have the least resistance to the friction of your fingers.

   Raise your left arm overhead and use the fingers of your right hand to apply gentle pressure to the left breast. Stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area.

   You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in the texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat.

5. Recline and Stroke

   This is best done lying down on a bed with your head and shoulders resting on a pillow.

   Lie down and put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke the breast and underarm, as you did earlier. Take note of any changes in the texture or the size of your breasts. Switch sides and repeat.

General Tips

Many people worry about whether they are performing the SBE correctly. Try not to worry. The value of the SBE is to get to know your own breast tissue, your own "lumps and bumps."

Practice the SBE exam the same way routinely over time, and you will be able to subconsciously notice changes that may happen. Then, you can discuss this change with your healthcare provider.

More tips include:

• Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly. This will help you determine if any changes are possibly due to the time of month, if you are still menstruating.
• Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE.
• Report any changes or unusual pain to your doctor or nurse practitioner. Keep a log of changes if that helps you remember.
• Try not to panic if you find a lump. Most breast lumps are benign.
• Remember that a BSE does not replace the need to have an annual clinical exam as well as regular mammograms.

If You Find a Lump

Don’t panic if you feel a lump during your breast self-examination. Most times, women have lumps in their breasts that are noncancerous (benign). Things like hormonal changes, benign breast conditions, or injuries can cause benign growth. 

Seek medical attention if the lump feels different from the rest of your breast. You should consider this if the lump lingers for more than a complete menstrual cycle and increases in size. If you are on your period, you can wait till after your period to check if the lump reduces before seeing your doctor.  

A Word From Verywell

Breast cancer affects both men and women, but there's a higher chance in women. A breast self-exam will help you to get familiar with what is normal in your breast and what is not. Don't panic if you feel a lump during a self-exam. Rather, schedule a visit with your doctor for better evaluation. Early detection of breast cancer is highly recommended, so ensure you maintain your BSE routine.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the warning signs of breast cancer?

While different people have different symptoms of breast cancer—and some don’t have any at all—warning signs of breast cancer include new lumps in the breast and armpit, swelling of the breast, redness or pain in the nipple region, or change in the breast size. 

Remember that some of these symptoms are associated with other conditions that aren’t cancer.

What do breast lumps feel like?

Breast lumps may feel round, soft, and tender, and they can be found on any part of the breast. Sometimes, the lumps are painful. Women who have denser and more fibrous tissues may have difficulty feeling lumps in their breasts.