Chances are you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 people with breasts develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it one of the most common forms of cancer. Luckily, the five-year survival rates are fairly high when the disease is caught early. Lumps can be detected by a number of different methods, including annual mammograms, clinical and self-exams, and even MRIs for those with extremely high risk. 

Self-exams are fast and inexpensive, making them one of the best ways to catch lumps before they have the chance to spread. While self-exams sometimes result in unnecessary biopsies or panic, the benefits generally outweigh these risks. One study found that around 25% of breast cancers are self-detected, making it a close second to mammograms, which are x-rays performed on the breast that can be painful and inaccessible for some. Therefore, being familiar with your own breasts and noticing any changes can be life-saving.

It is recommended that self-exams be performed once a month, particularly a few days after your period if you are still menstruating. Self-exams only take a few minutes and can be easily incorporated into daily routines, such as when you are dressing, undressing, or lying in bed. To perform a thorough self-examination, the following steps should be taken.

1. Standing visual inspection

• Stand in front of a mirror with your top removed

• Start with your arms down by your side and check for any changes in the breasts and nipples, such as swelling, dimpling, or redness

• Repeat with the arms raised above your head as well as on your hips

2. Standing manual inspection

• Use the pads of your middle three fingers on the opposite side of the breast you are inspecting

• Lightly press on your breast and perform a small, circular motion

• Follow a pattern to ensure you cover the entire breast

• Cover your entire breast again with moderate pressure, and then firm pressure

• Press underneath the armpit 

• Gently squeeze the nipple, checking for discharge

• Repeat on the other side

3. Laying manual inspection

• Lay on your back, place a pillow underneath one shoulder, and extend that arm above your head

• Use the other hand to perform the same inspection as above

If you notice any of the following changes during the exam, it might be a good idea to reach out to a healthcare provider:

• Lumps or knots

• Puckering or dimpling

• Discharge coming from the nipple

• Pain or rash

• Redness, warmth, or swelling

By performing these exams regularly, people with breasts can become more familiar with their bodies and thus be more cognizant of any changes that may occur. This can lead to earlier detection and treatment for breast cancer patients, resulting in improved outcomes.