20 Jun, 2025
20 Jun, 2025
This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Tanay Shah, Consultant- Surgical Oncology and Breast Cancer Specialist, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad
Monthly breast self-examination (BSE) is a crucial practice that can help you stay ahead of breast cancer. While many women are familiar with breast self-examinations, some might still question if they are doing it correctly. Several women ask about how to check for breast cancer at home.
This article provides all the information you need to know about conducting a proper breast self- examination.
Breast self-examination, or self-breast examination, is a simple breast cancer screening tool.
A breast self-examination involves a woman examining her breasts with her hands periodically at home in a systematic, stepwise fashion.
This helps women become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and immediately notice when something is not normal. It also helps detect breast lumps that may or may not be cancerous.
"Regular breast self-examinations are essential as they empower women to understand their bodies and
detect changes early. While not a replacement for mammograms, self-exams are crucial for early
detection, increasing the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes."
Dr. Tanay Shah
Many are not aware of the importance of breast self-exams. Performing a breast self-examination helps in many ways. Most importantly, self-breast examination makes early detection of breast cancer possible.
The following are a few reasons why you should consider breast self-exams every month:
Like any other cancer, it is important to detect breast cancer in the early stages for appropriate management. Breast self-examination allows you to look for abnormalities that indicate breast cancer, which prompts you to see a doctor for additional examination.
These signs and symptoms can be caused by benign breast conditions as well.
Nonetheless, it is important to pay attention to the different signs of breast cancer and immediately consult with the doctor to rule out the underlying serious condition.
Watch this video as one of our specialists talks about the importance of early detection of breast cancer:
Regular breast examinations help you become more aware of how your breasts look and feel. This helps detect changes, such as lumps, thickening of the skin, and other irregularities.
Breast cancer examination at home is a non-invasive, cost-free method. It is simple, can be easily incorporated into the routine, does not require special equipment, and does not require a visit to the doctor.
Like other cancers, the early detection of breast cancer improves overall survival. Further, managing breast cancer in its early stages requires less aggressive treatment.
Breast self-examination improves the overall quality of life by reducing the anxiety and stress of developing breast cancer, especially in women with high risk for breast cancer.
However, it is important to note that women at high risk for breast cancer should follow the routine mammography screening schedule as recommended by their gynecologists, in addition to breast self-examination.
A self-breast examination should usually be performed at least once every month. The best time for breast self-examination is a few days after the menstruation cycle, when the breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. Also, it is advisable to do it on the same day every month.
To make breast self-examination easy for you, we have broken down the entire procedure into five steps, and they are listed here. Please follow these breast self-exam steps every month.
Women should relax their arms on their hips and look at their breasts in the mirror. They should note the size, shape, and color of their breasts and examine them for any dimpling of the skin, swelling, or changes in the nipples.
Women should raise their arms above their heads and look for the same changes. This position allows women to view the lower and upper parts of the breasts more clearly.
Women should also observe any discharge from their nipples and any sign of fluid on their clothes. In the case of abnormal discharge from the nipples, note the color, consistency, amount, and smell of the discharge.
This step involves the breast physical examination. Women should lie down on their backs in a comfortable position. This position helps to spread the breast tissue evenly. Use of the left hand to examine the right breast and vice-versa is advisable.
They must then move their fingers in small circular motions to feel the breast tissue's surface, middle, and deeper layers. Later, they should gently squeeze the nipples to observe any discharge. A breast examination will be followed by an examination of the armpits and the upper chest for any lumps or unusual changes.
Performing a breast cancer self-exam while standing or sitting is an effective way to check for changes or abnormalities in the breast tissue. This position is particularly useful for examining the upper parts of the breasts and the areas near the armpits.
"For effective breast self-examinations, adhere to these steps: Observe your breasts in front of a mirror,
lift
your arms, inspect for discharge, palpate for lumps while lying down, and repeat while standing. Consistency
and
thoroughness are vital for early detection of any changes."
Dr. Tanay Shah
It is important to note that not all breast lumps are cancerous. Breasts have a nodular or lumpy texture, which can vary based on age, hormonal changes, and individual anatomy. Lumps may occur due to fibrocystic changes, fibroadenoma, lobular carcinoma in situ, fat necrosis and lipomas, and cysts. The doctor should comprehensively evaluate any type of lump. It is important to know what abnormalities indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Women are advised to perform breast self-examination at least once every month, preferably a few days after their menstrual period. It is important to follow the recommended breast self-examination procedure during the examination to optimize the results.
Breast self-exams help women become more familiar with their breasts and identify signs that may indicate the presence of breast cancer. However, they cannot replace professional screening approaches like mammograms and clinical breast examinations, as these help in identifying subtle changes and detecting early-stage tumors, unlike breast self-exams.
Mammograms and clinical breast exams are just as important as breast self-exams in putting oneself ahead of breast cancer.
False positives and false negatives are significant drawbacks of breast self-examination. A false positive may lead to increased anxiety, unnecessary testing and follow-up procedures, and reduced participation in future screening due to unwarranted fear.
A false negative, on the other hand, can result in a delayed diagnosis, diminished trust, and consequently lower participation in screening procedures.
While it is important to participate in breast screening regularly, one must also note that not always do the lumps or other breast changes indicate breast cancer. To be sure, one must see a specialist and follow their advice.
Before your first self-breast examination, you may have several questions. You may not know what to look for, what is normal, and what needs medical attention.
Therefore, we suggest that you see your gynecologist, who can guide you properly and even demonstrate how to self-examine your breasts, what signs to look for, and the right time to seek medical attention.
Finding signs of breast cancer during a self-exam can be overwhelming. However, it is important not to panic. Consult a specialist for proper evaluation, during which you may be asked to undergo certain tests. Your doctor will recommend the right way forward based on your test results.
Women should not ignore any of the symptoms of breast cancer or any other serious underlying disease detected during breast self-examination. It is important to seek care from a breast surgical oncology service provider in case women experience new or persistent lumps, nipple discharge, altered skin of the breasts, and pain in the breasts. Women, especially those who are at high risk, should consult their doctor to discuss the measures to reduce breast cancer risk.
Regular breast self-examination is a vital, non-invasive tool for early breast cancer detection, raising awareness of breast health, and improving overall quality of life. Conduct these exams monthly to familiarize yourself with your breasts and promptly detect any abnormalities. Always consult your doctor if you notice any unusual changes.
Breast Self-Examination - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Breast Self Exam | BreastCancer.Org
Breast Self-Exam | Nationalbreastcancer.org
Breast Cancer / Self Breast Examination | International Agency for Research on Cancer
Breast Self Exam | NHS Lanarkshire
Author Bio : Dr. Tanay Shah
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Surgical Oncology)
Consultant – Surgical Oncology (Breast Cancer Specialist)
Dr. Tanay Shah is a seasoned surgical oncology consultant practicing at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, a comprehensive cancer hospital in Ahmedabad. Dr. Tanay Shah specializes in the surgical management of breast, head and neck, gynecological, and GI oncological cancers. He is highly skilled in endoscopy including upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy, colonoscopy, fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and bronchoscopy. His expertise has been recognized by his peers and he has participated in many oncology conferences and CMEs, which have significantly helped him hone his skills as a surgical oncologist.
Appointment Link: Book an appointment with Dr. Tanay Shah.
