A breast self-exam (BSE) for breast awareness is a self-conducted step-by-step procedure for examining your breasts. Understanding the normal appearance and feel of your breasts increases your breast awareness and may help you spot any changes if they do occur.
It is essential to consult your doctor if you notice any new changes in your breasts. Most breast changes discovered during a self-exam are not serious. However, some changes may indicate a serious condition, such as breast cancer.
Why is the Breast Self-Exam Important?
While breast self-exams are not recommended as a formal screening tool and can not reduce breast cancer deaths, knowing what is normal for your breasts is still helpful. Self-checks should not replace mammograms or professional exams. However, they can help you notice breast changes early and seek medical evaluation sooner, which may lead to earlier cancer detection and less intensive treatment.
According to research, many people diagnosed with breast cancer report that they initially realized something was wrong when they discovered a lump on their own at home [1].
For routine breast cancer screenings, you should still see your gynecologist and/or primary care physician.
When Should You Do a Breast Self-Exam?
Adult women of all ages should perform breast self-exams at least once a month.
Menstruating women should perform a breast self-exam a few days after their period finishes. Post-menopausal women should do a breast self-exam on the same day of every month, such as the 1st or 15th.
Mammograms can identify cancer before you notice a lump, but breast self-examinations help you understand how your breasts typically feel and look. If you observe any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, sore area, changes in the skin’s appearance, or nipple discharge, let your healthcare provider know.
How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam?
The breast self-exam includes checking your breasts visually (with your eyes) as well as physically (with your fingers). Remember that breast tissue is not just on your nipple and breast cleavage; it also extends into the armpits, the collarbone, and the top of the abdomen. Therefore, include those areas also when doing a breast self-exam. The self-exam takes only a few minutes.
Visual Examination
This method entails removing your shirt and bra and inspecting your breasts in a mirror. The steps are as follows:
- Check for puckering, dimpling, or variations in size, shape, or symmetry while facing forward.
- Examine your breasts while pressing your hands down on your hips. Check for any changes in appearance, size, skin dimpling, or nipple position.
- Examine your nipples to see if they are inverted.
- Look for the same changes by raising your arms over your head and pressing your palms together.
- Check the symmetry of the ridges along the bottom of your breasts by lifting them.
Physical Examination
You can do a physical breast exam at home in two different ways. Both entail manually pressing on the breast tissue.
Standing Breast Self-Exam
Many people conduct a standing self-exam while showering. Here’s how to do it:
- Examine your left breast with your right hand, and vice versa.
- Press each part of one breast with the pads of your three middle fingers. Apply gentle pressure first, followed by medium and firm pressure. Check for any changes, such as thick areas or lumps.
- Cover every part of your breast by moving in a circular pattern.
- Press the tissue that is closest to your armpit. Make sure to look under your areola and squeeze your nipple for discharge.
- Repeat the process on the other side.
Lying Down Breast Self-Exam
A breast self-exam while lying down evens out the breast tissue. Changes are easier to feel as a result, particularly in large breasts.
Here’s how to do it:
- Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Your right arm should be behind your head.
- Examine every part of your right breast with the pads of your middle fingers of your left hand. Apply gentle, moderate, and firm pressure.
- Check every area, including the area surrounding your areola and under your armpit. Squeeze your nipple gently and look for discharge.
- Switch sides and repeat the process with the opposing hand and breast.
Tips for Performing Breast Self-Exam
Some general guidelines to remember when examining your breasts are as follows:
- Use finger pads: You should perform the test using the pads of your three middle fingers instead of the tips. Use a more sensitive area of your hand if you have trouble sensing with your finger pads. It could involve the palms or the backs of your fingers.
- Apply different pressure levels: Using varying pressure levels, you aim to feel all of the breast tissue at various depths. To feel the tissue closest to the skin, apply light pressure. For tissue slightly deeper, use medium pressure. To feel the tissue nearest to the chest and ribs, apply firm pressure. Be sure to apply each pressure level before proceeding to the next spot. Use each pressure level before going on to the next part. Consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure of how hard to press.
- Do not rush: Take your time. Carefully examining your breasts may take a few minutes.
- Follow a pattern: Use a methodical approach to ensure that you thoroughly check your breasts. Start by examining the area near your collarbone, running your fingers from the outer edge of the breast to your nipple. Then, move your fingers to the preceding section.
What are Some Breast Self-Exam Concerns to Keep in Mind?
You can learn about the normal appearance and feel of your breasts by doing a breast self-examination for breast awareness. However, there are several issues with it, such as:
- Switching from a clinical mammogram or breast exam to a self-exam: A breast self-exam is a technique you may use at home to get to know your body better. Some people mistakenly feel that since they perform self-breast exams, they do not need to consult a doctor.
- Anxiety caused by finding a lump or an abnormality: Most breast changes or lumps are not cancerous. Nevertheless, you might be concerned about the possible implications if you discover something suspicious in your breast. You may be worried for several days until you can visit your doctor.
- Other tests may be required: If you find a suspicious mass, you may need additional tests and procedures to investigate it. This may include imaging tests such as a mammogram or a breast ultrasound. Additionally, you might get a biopsy, which is a procedure to remove breast tissue for examination. If the lump is not cancer, you may feel as if you have undergone an unnecessary invasive surgery.
What is Typical?
Knowing what is normal for you will make it easier for you to recognize abnormalities. There is no need to fear if you see a change in your breast. Some breast alterations are typical.
Lumps in your breast tissue are common and should not cause concern. Some people’s breast tissue is inherently lumpier.
If you have periods, you may notice that your breasts change at certain times during the menstrual cycle.
It is normal for the breasts to feel different in various areas. For example, it is common for each breast to have a firm ridge along the bottom. As you age, your breasts will probably vary in appearance and texture.
When to Contact the Doctor?
Consult a doctor if you observe:
- A lump or another change in the way your breast tissue feels
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Skin dimpling, redness, or swelling
- Changing the direction of your nipple, like turning inward
A clinical breast exam can help a healthcare provider determine whether procedures such as an ultrasound or mammogram are necessary.
Key Takeaways
A monthly breast self-exam helps you get to know what is normal for your breasts so you can more easily spot changes. It is common for breasts to feel tender or slightly lumpy at different times during the menstrual cycle. However, if you notice a new or persistent lump, any changes in skin texture, nipple discharge, or a change in size or shape, it is crucial to consult your doctor. While self-exams do not replace regular screenings like mammograms, they support early awareness, and speaking up about changes right away can make a big difference in your breast health.
Chughtai Lab – Your Partner in Breast Health
At Chughtai Lab, we are committed to supporting women in the early detection and management of breast cancer. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic services include mammogram and breast ultrasound, which help detect even the slightest changes in breast tissue, often before symptoms appear. With advanced imaging technology and expert radiologists, we ensure accurate, safe, and timely results to guide further evaluation and treatment.
Our Chughtai Breast Clinic provides a complete care experience under one roof. From screening and diagnosis to consultation and follow-up, our female specialists offer compassionate, confidential, and personalized care for every woman.
To further promote women’s wellness, Chughtai Lab offers Pink Card, an exclusive membership designed to cater to women’s health needs. The Pink Card provides special benefits and discounts on lab tests, imaging services, and health packages, making preventive care more accessible and affordable for all women.
References
- Roth, M.Y., Elmore, J.G., Yi-Frazier, J.P., Reisch, L.M., Oster, N.V. and Miglioretti, D.L., 2011. Self-detection remains a key method of breast cancer detection for US women. Journal of women’s health, 20(8), pp.1135-1139.
- Breast Self-Exam. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/3990-breast-self-exam. Last Reviewed: 25th August, 2025. Accessed: 3rd November, 2025.
- Breast self-exam for breast awareness. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-exam/about/pac-20393237. Published Online: 24th July, 2024. Accessed: 3rd November, 2025.
- Breast Self-Exam. National Breast Cancer Foundation. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam/. Last Updated: 15th October, 2025. Accessed: 3rd November, 2025.
