Breast Self-Exam: How To Perform, What To Look For - Cleveland Clinic

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What is a breast self-exam?

A breast self-exam (BSE) is a step-by-step way you can examine your breasts. The goal of doing a breast self-exam is to recognize what’s normal for you. Knowing how your breasts typically look and feel can help you notice a change, if one were to occur.

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Self-exams should never replace breast exams from a provider and screening tests like mammograms. You should still see your primary care provider (if you have one) and/or gynecologist regularly for breast cancer screenings.

Research shows that many people with breast cancer say that finding a lump at home was how they first knew something was different. Knowing what’s normal for your breasts allows you to alert a provider as soon as you notice changes.

When should you do a self-exam?

Most healthcare associations recommend doing it every month. Even though it’s not a reliable way to detect breast cancer, it’s still the most helpful thing you can do at home for your breast health. If you still get regular periods, do your breast self-exam right after your period ends.

Why are breast self-exams no longer recommended?

Healthcare providers don’t think self-exams are bad. But they know there are better ways to detect and screen for breast cancer. Still, they want you to know your breasts. Doing breast self-exams at home is the best way to do this. That way, you’ll know what’s normal and you can tell your provider if something changes.

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