Breast self-examination

Before going into the details it is important to recognize that breast self-examinations are no longer recommended as a reliable way to detect cancer. However, they are incredibly beneficial for young women as a way to get to know your own breast tissue. That way, if there is anything abnormal in the future, you will be able to notice.

Breast tissue comes in a variety of forms. Sometimes it’s smooth, sometimes it’s nodular or kinda bumpy. Whatever your tissue feels like is uniquely your own.

The best way to do a self-exam is after your period (or once a month). The first image you’ll see is a diagram of a woman feeling a breast with the opposite hand (image from the Women’s Health Research Institute at Northwestern). This is accurate. You can do this while looking in the mirror, taking a shower or lying down.

The next picture depicts the teardrop shape of your breasts with the tail going up into the armpit. The best way to palpate the breast tissue is using your index, middle and ring finger, going in small circles. Don’t forget to feel all of the tissue. You can do so by a circular motion (drawing on the left) or up and down (drawing on the right) to cover all of your breast tissue.

And that’s it! Take the time to get to know your breast tissue. It’s going to be with you for a while!