Breast Self-Exam: How, When, and Why You Should Perform One

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide, but early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. One of the simplest, most effective ways to monitor your breast health is by performing regular breast self-exams. These self-exams help you become familiar with the natural look and feel of your breasts, enabling you to spot any changes, such as lumps or unusual swelling, that may indicate potential problems.

In this blog post, we'll cover the importance of breast self-exams, when to perform them, how to do them correctly, and the benefits of using tools and models to enhance the learning process.

Why is Breast Self-Examination Important?

Regular breast self-exams are an essential part of breast cancer awareness and early detection. According to the American Cancer Society and other health organizations, many breast cancers are found by individuals themselves through self-examination, before they become detectable by a healthcare professional. While self-exams should not replace clinical exams or mammograms, they can serve as an additional tool for early identification.

Here's why performing regular breast self-exams is so important.

1. Early Detection: The earlier breast cancer is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment. By getting to know your breasts' normal appearance and feel, you can detect any changes such as lumps, thickening, or abnormal skin changes.
2. Empowerment: Self-exams empower women to take control of their health and be proactive in preventing serious health issues.
3. Familiarity with Your Body: Understanding what's normal for your breasts means you'll notice irregularities that could indicate an issue, whether it's a lump, change in size, or skin texture.

When to Perform Breast Self-Exams

The best time to perform a breast self-exam is about a week after your period ends, as this is when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender due to hormonal changes. If you are no longer menstruating, try to do the exam on the same day each month, as this will help you keep track of any changes.

For women in their 20s and 30s, breast self-exams should be done monthly. Women over 40 are advised to continue self-exams along with regular mammograms as part of their breast health routine.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

A proper breast self-exam should be conducted in three steps: visual inspection, palpation (feeling), and lying down position. Follow the detailed 5 steps to do a breast self-exam.

1. Visual Inspection

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms relaxed at your sides. Look for any noticeable changes in your breasts' shape, size, or skin texture. Pay attention to the following:

• Changes in the size or shape of the breasts
• Redness, swelling, or skin dimpling
• Any changes in the nipple, such as inversion (pulling inward) or discharge (other than breast milk)
• Visible lumps, bumps, or skin irritation

2. Palpation (Feeling)

While standing or sitting, use the pads of your fingers to gently feel the entire surface of each breast. Start at the outer part of the breast and work your way inward in a circular motion, covering the entire breast area. You should also check the underarm area, as lymph nodes can swell here in response to certain types of breast cancer.

3. Lying Down Position

Lying down can help spread out the breast tissue, making it easier to feel all areas of your breasts. Place a pillow or towel under your right shoulder, then place your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, use the pads of your fingers to feel your right breast in small, circular motions. Repeat the process for the other breast.

What to Look For During a Breast Self-Exam

When checking for breast lumps or signs of cancer, here are the key characteristics to be aware of:

• Lumps: A lump can be a sign of a benign condition, but any unusual lump or thickening that doesn't go away should be examined by a doctor.
• Changes in Skin Texture: Dimpled or puckered skin, or changes in the texture of the skin over the breast, may indicate the presence of cancer.
• Changes in Nipple: Nipple inversion, unusual discharge, or redness can signal a potential issue.
• Pain: While most breast pain is not associated with cancer, persistent pain in one specific area should be addressed with a healthcare professional.

The Role of Educational Models in Breast Self-Exams

Many healthcare organizations and advocacy groups use breast self-exam models to teach women how to perform self-exams correctly. These models simulate the feel of different types of lumps or tissue changes in the breast, helping individuals practice detecting abnormalities before they perform an exam on themselves.

For example, Ultrassist offers high-quality breast self-exam training tools such as the Left Breast Lump Model for Self-Exam and the Breast Self-Exam Simulator. These models are realistic and designed to simulate both normal and abnormal breast conditions, making them an invaluable resource for both healthcare professionals and individuals wanting to become proficient in self-exams.

By using a self-exam simulator, individuals can improve their skills and gain confidence, ensuring they know what to look for during their own self-exams.

How to Make Breast Self-Exams Part of Your Routine

Make breast self-exams part of your monthly health routine. You can combine them with other self-care practices, such as checking for skin changes or doing a general health assessment. The key is to be consistent - knowing how your breasts naturally feel will make it easier to identify any changes that could require further attention.

If you feel any lumps or notice changes, don't panic, as most breast changes are not cancerous. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible to rule out any issues.