Hands-On-Health: Unlocking the Importance of Self-Breast Exams

Published on Oct. 30, 2024

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses, or about one in three cancers diagnosed in women each year.

The encouraging news is that early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates. While regular mammograms remain an essential screening tool, monthly self-breast exams can help women become familiar with their bodies and identify changes that may need further evaluation.

What Is a Self-Breast Exam?

A self-breast exam is a simple way to check your breasts using both visual inspection and touch. These monthly examinations help you become familiar with your normal breast tissue, making it easier to recognize changes over time.

Why Self-Breast Exams Matter

Breast cancer can occur at any age. While it is less common in younger women, individuals between the ages of 15 and 35 still account for approximately 10% of breast cancer cases.

Self-breast exams are valuable because:

They help you become familiar with your breasts and what is normal for your body.
They allow you to monitor changes between annual mammograms.
They can help identify lumps or abnormalities early.
They encourage proactive breast health awareness.

Studies have shown that 75% of breast cancers are detected by women themselves, underscoring the importance of regular self-exams.

While self-breast exams should never replace mammograms, they serve as an additional layer of awareness and early detection.

When Should You Start Breast Cancer Screening?

Generally, a baseline mammogram is recommended at age 40. However, some women with a strong family history or other risk factors may need to begin screening in their late 30s.

Annual mammograms are typically recommended until your physician determines they are no longer necessary, often into the mid-to-late 80s.

Because breast cancer can develop between screenings, monthly self-breast exams remain an important part of a comprehensive breast health routine.

How to Perform a Self-Breast Exam

A self-breast exam only takes a few minutes and can be performed at home.

There are two key components:

Visual inspection
Physical examination

Step 1: Visual Inspection

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at your sides.

Look for changes such as:

Differences in breast size or shape
Skin dimpling or puckering
Swelling
Redness or changes in skin color
Nipple inversion
Nipple discharge, including clear or bloody fluid

Raise your arms overhead and repeat the inspection.
Place your hands on your hips and press firmly to tighten your chest muscles.
Continue looking for visible changes.

Step 2: Physical Examination

The physical portion of the exam can be performed while lying down or in the shower.

How to Check Your Breasts

Place one arm behind your head.
Use the opposite hand to examine your breast.
Use the pads of your three middle fingers.
Check the entire breast and underarm area.
Apply light, medium and firm pressure.

Examination Patterns

To ensure the entire breast is examined, use one of these methods:

Spokes of the Wheel Method

Begin at the nipple.
Move outward in straight lines toward the edge of the breast.

Clock Face Method

Imagine your breast as a clock.
Examine each "hour" position using an up-and-down motion.

During the exam, feel for:

New lumps
Thickened tissue
Hardened knots
Areas that feel different from the surrounding tissue

Repeat the process on the opposite breast.

When Should You Contact Your Doctor?

If you notice any changes during a self-breast exam, contact a healthcare provider promptly, even if you recently had a mammogram.

There have been cases where breast cancer developed only months after a normal mammogram result.

Remember: Not Every Lump Is Cancer

Many breast changes are benign and may be caused by conditions such as:

Breast cysts
Fibroadenomas
Hormonal changes

A fibroadenoma is a non-cancerous breast tumor that often feels like a solid, firm or rubbery lump.

While many breast changes are harmless, only a healthcare provider can determine their significance.

How Often Should You Perform a Self-Breast Exam?

Women should perform a self-breast exam once each month.

Tips for Consistency

Premenopausal women may choose the same point in their menstrual cycle each month.
Postmenopausal women should select a consistent day each month.

Maintaining a routine makes it easier to notice subtle changes over time.

Why Breast Density Matters

What Are Dense Breasts?

Women with dense breast tissue have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with predominantly fatty breast tissue.

Dense tissue can also make breast cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on imaging.

Additional Screening May Be Needed

Women with dense breasts should discuss their screening options with their primary care physician or breast imaging specialist.

Additional imaging may include:

Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI
Other advanced breast imaging studies

These tools can provide a more comprehensive view of breast tissue and help identify abnormalities that may not be visible on a mammogram alone.

Comprehensive Breast Care at MemorialCare

MemorialCare Breast Centers are among the most comprehensive breast centers in Southern California. With locations in Orange and southern Los Angeles counties, MemorialCare Breast Centers are designated “Comprehensive Breast Imaging Centers” by the American College of Radiology, offering advanced technology for the highest quality breast imaging to ensure your wellness.

Advanced Breast Imaging Services

MemorialCare specializes in early breast cancer detection using advanced technology, including:

These services help provide clearer imaging and more accurate diagnoses.

Expert, Compassionate Care

The breast care team aids in creating a compassionate and supportive environment, offering comprehensive education on breast health and support services for those diagnosed, and working with doctors to create individualized treatment plans for every woman who walks through the doors.

Patients also have access to:

Breast cancer navigators
Education and support services
Multidisciplinary breast care specialists
Personalized treatment planning

The team is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care from screening through treatment and recovery.

Understanding Your Genetic Risk

Approximately 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, resulting from abnormal genes passed from parent to child.

MemorialCare's certified genetic counselors can:

Review your family history
Assess hereditary risk factors
Determine whether genetic testing may be appropriate
Explain genetic test results and next steps

Early Detection Saves Lives

While many breast changes are benign, regular self-breast exams combined with routine mammogram screenings can help detect breast cancer earlier, when treatment is often most effective.

By combining self-awareness, regular screening and expert medical care, you can take an active role in protecting your breast health and improving your chances of a healthy future.