Breast Self-Examination: How and When to Do It

Breast Self-Examination: How and When to Do It

A breast self-exam means getting into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts to know them well and spot any change as early as possible. It's not a medical screening, but a simple and useful preventive habit. By getting familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel, you become the person best placed to notice anything out of the ordinary.

Why do it

Knowing your breasts gives you a point of reference. Most of the changes you might feel are harmless (cysts, dense tissue, cycle-related variations), but noticing early what persists lets you mention it quickly to a healthcare professional. A self-exam doesn't "detect" cancer on its own: it simply helps you avoid overlooking an unusual sign between two appointments.

When to do it

• Once a month, ideally just after your period, when the breasts are less tense and less tender.
• If you no longer have periods (menopause, continuous contraception), pick a fixed date each month that's easy to remember.
• There's no need to do it every day: checking too often makes normal small variations hard to interpret.

How to do it, step by step

1. Looking, standing in front of a mirror Arms at your sides, then raised above your head, then hands on your hips while tensing your chest. Check for:

• a change in size or shape
• skin that pulls in, dimples, or reddens ("orange-peel" look)
• a nipple that retracts, changes direction, or has any discharge
• a difference between the two breasts that wasn't there before

2. Feeling, lying down Lie on your back with one arm behind your head on the side you're examining (this spreads out the breast tissue). With the pads of your three middle fingers, hand flat, feel each breast with small circular movements:

• apply light, then deeper pressure to explore the different layers
• cover the whole breast, from the cleavage to the armpit and from the breastbone to the side, without forgetting the area under the nipple
• follow a consistent pattern (circles, vertical strips, or wedges) so you don't miss anything
• don't forget the hollow of the armpit (lymph nodes)
• do both sides

3. In the shower Soapy, wet skin helps your fingers glide: it's a good moment to complement the lying-down exam.

What you're looking for

• a lump or an area firmer than before
• a node under the armpit
• any new difference compared with the previous month
• discharge, or a change in the skin or nipple

Many breasts are naturally "lumpy," especially before periods: what matters is spotting what changes and persists beyond one cycle.

Common misconceptions

• "A lump = cancer." False: the vast majority of lumps are benign (cysts, fibroadenomas). Only a healthcare professional can tell the difference.
• "If I don't feel anything, I'm fine forever." A self-exam doesn't replace screening: some abnormalities can't be felt.
• "It's only for older women." Building the habit young mostly helps you get to know your breasts; the practice is useful at any age.
• "It has to hurt or be complicated." No: it's painless and takes a few minutes.

Risk factors to know about

Some factors can increase the risk of breast cancer and warrant closer follow-up: a family history (mother, sister, daughter), certain known genetic predispositions, age, or a personal history. If this applies to you, talk to your doctor: the frequency and type of monitoring can be tailored to your situation.

What it does not replace

A self-exam does not replace medical follow-up or the screening mammogram. In France, an organized screening program for breast cancer is offered to women aged 50 to 74, with a covered mammogram every two years. Before that age or in case of family history, specific follow-up can be arranged: ask your doctor for advice.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor without waiting for your next appointment if you notice:

• a lump that persists after your period
• discharge from the nipple, especially if it's bloody or from one side only
• retraction of the skin or nipple
• unusual redness, warmth, or swelling
• a node under the armpit that doesn't go away

Seeing a doctor doesn't mean something serious is happening: in most cases, the exam is reassuring. But it's the right reflex to clear up any doubt quickly and get support if needed.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. The vast majority of abnormalities detected are benign, but any change warrants medical evaluation.

Sources

• French National Cancer Institute — The clinical breast exam
• Ameli — Breast cancer: symptoms and diagnosis

Official sources, accessed in July 2026.