Prevention & Detection
Change text size
Breast Self-Exam
Why
- To get to know what is normal for you
- To feel and look for changes: lumps; thickening, dimpling, puckering, swelling, redness, scaling or retraction of nipple; nipple discharge; changes in skin color, texture, or shape of breast
- See Normal Breast Changes for a list of changes that shouldn't cause concern.
When
- Once a month, starting at age 20
- One week after your period
- If you're past menopause, do it on the same day each month.
How (Method)
- Start and end under your armpit.
- Go up and down using small, circular motions.
- Use the flat pads of your fingers.
- Check each breast using light, medium and firm pressure.
- Check the entire area from the armpit to the center of the chest and from the collarbone to the bra line.
Where (Improtant to do All Parts)
In the Shower
- Raise your right arm behind your head.
- Examine the right breast with your left hand.
- Reverse for the other breast.
At the Mirror
- Face the mirror directly and turn side to side in the following positions:
- Arms relaxed at your sides
- Arms above your head
- Hands pressing down on your hips
- Bent forward with hands on your hips
Lying Down
- Place a small towel or pillow under your mid-back on the side you are examining.
- Repeat the exam you did in the shower.
Who to Call
If you find a lump or other change in your breast, that doesn't mean you have cancer. It does, however, mean you need to be checked further. Contact your personal physician, or, in the Fargo area, call the MeritCare Breast Clinic at (800) 437-4010 or (701) 234-2500.
More Detailed Information