03/10/2024
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A step-by-step guide to physical and visual breast exams
Early detection plays a key role in protecting your health when it comes to breast cancer (or any cancer). Annual screenings are recommended starting at age 45. Still, recommendations may vary across organizations and depending on factors like if you have a gene mutation, denser breast tissue, or a family history of breast cancer.
Knowing the signs and symptoms and performing regular breast self-exams don’t replace in-office screenings, but they can help you take note of any changes.
Here’s how to perform a visual exam:
Stand topless in front of a mirror.
Inspect your breasts for:
changes in size, symmetry, or shape
dimpling, bulging, puckering of the skin
ni***es that are inverted or changed position
asymmetrical ridges at the bottom
redness, soreness, a rash, or swelling
Look for these signs in these different ways:
with your hands on your hips
with your arms over your head
while lifting one breast at a time
Here’s how to perform a physical exam:
Use the pads of your fingers to inspect your breasts while lying down. Your fingers may glide across your skin more easily with soapy water in the shower.
Starting at your ni**le, take your time using varying pressure to massage your fingers over your breasts in a spiral pattern, searching for any new lumps or changes in skin texture.
Put one arm over your head while massaging your breast with the other hand.
Make your way to the top of your breast near the collarbone, the centre of your breastbone, and the sides near your armpits.
Lightly squeeze your ni***es to check for any discharge.
If your breasts feel and look the way they usually do, then there’s no need to take action. Even if you find a lump, the vast majority are benign, so try not to worry too much. Speak with your doctor if you notice any changes or concerns during your self-exams to see if further testing is needed
