More than 192,370 cases of invasive breast cancer (and an additional 62,280 non-invasive cases) were diagnosed in 2008, according to the American Cancer Society. Women living in the U.S. have a 12 percent chance of developing invasive breast cancer and an even greater chance of discovering a non-invasive type of cancer. Self-testing is one way women may become aware of early changes that indicate that a doctor's evaluation is necessary. Self examination should not replace mammograms and examinations by medical professionals.
How to Self Exam for Breast Cancer
Step 1
Perform the self exam weekly. Determine a regular time, perhaps during a specific radio or television program. The best time to conduct the test is when the breast is free from swelling or tenderness.
Step 2
Do a visual breast check. Stand nude in front of a mirror and examine both breasts while pushing down on your hips. Look for any bumps, color shading, and discrepancies in symmetry or shape. Both breasts should look even in relationship to each other. Turn to examine each breast from the side. Your nipples should extend outward and not appear inverted.
Step 3
Check the right underarm area by extending your arm slightly to the side. (The skin should not be taut.) Use pressure to examine all of the tissue in this area. Conduct the same procedure on the left underarm area.
Step 4
Check for discharge. Lightly press each nipple to look for any discharge. The color and amount of discharge should be noted.
Step 5
Lie on a soft surface such as a bed. Place your right arm above your head to examine the right breast with your left hand.
Step 6
Move the pads on your three middle fingers in a clockwise pattern around the breast with light pressure. Begin at the 2:00 position and move around the clock, examining each hour point carefully. Overlap in a circular pattern, feeling for unusual lumps.
Step 7
Move the pads of your fingers as described in Step 6, but this time use medium pressure.
Step 8
Continue the clockwise pattern described in Step 6, but this time with heavy pressure.
Step 9
Use the vertical sweeping pattern test by moving your fingers up and down the breast in a straight line while pressing with the three finger pads in an attempt to discover any lumps or bumps.
Step 10
Repeat the same process for the left breast by placing your left arm behind your head and, using your right hand, following Steps 5 through 9.
Step 11
Make a written note of any differences from previous months to report to your medical practitioner.
Tips and Warnings
- The Mayo Clinic recommends that women demonstrate the self-examination method before a medical practitioner to determine if the procedure is being done correctly.
- New evidence from the American Cancer Society shows that it is important that the exam be done in a prone position, not while standing in the shower, as recommended in previous years.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
- Bed
