Cancer Breast Cancer Prevention How to Do a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) A Step-by-Step Guide By Serenity Mirabito RN, OCN Serenity Mirabito RN, OCN Serenity Mirabito, MSN, RN, OCN, is a published oncology nurse writer who advocates for those surviving and thriving with cancer. Learn about our editorial process Updated on December 07, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Doru Paul, MD Medically reviewed by Doru Paul, MD Doru Paul, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print Regularly examining your breasts is called a breast self-exam (BSE). Performing a BSE may be animportant way to find breast cancer early. About 1 in 8 women in the United States who reach the age of 80 can expect to develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Unfortunately, research has not proved that BSEs help detect breast cancer. In fact, most people find breast cancer (a new lump) during normal daily activities like bathing or getting dressed. The lack of evidence supporting BSEs has led to some debate in the medical community about whether people should perform routine BSEs or not. The American Cancer Society (ACS) does not recommend BSEs as part of breast cancer screening for people with vaginas with an average risk for breast cancer. They do, however, encourage them to be familiar with how their breasts look and feel. It is essential to report any changes in the appearance, shape, or color of the breasts to a healthcare provider immediately. In contrast, breastcancer.org believes that BSEs combined with screening mammograms and/or breast MRIs increase the odds of finding breast cancer. In addition, performing a BSE is free, easy, and can be done in the comfort of your home. Therefore, breastcancer.org recommends all people perform routine BSEs for overall breast health. Despite these differing views, this article will provide a step-by-step guide on performing a breast self-exam and share symptoms that should be reported to a healthcare provider quickly. Most important, people who want to examine their breasts regularly should not substitute BSEs for screening mammograms. Benign Breasts Changes That Can Look Like Breast Cancer 1 Do a Visual Exam Verywell / Cindy Chung Undress to the waist. Stand in front of a mirror large enough to visualize both breasts at the same time. Place your hands on your hips. Your breasts should be their usual shape, size, and color. Your breasts should not be dimpling, puckering, or bulging. Your nipples should not be in a different position or unusually inverted. There shouldn't be any redness, soreness, rash, or swelling. Note any changes from your last BSE 2 Lift Your Arms Verwell / Cindy Chung Place your hands behind your head. Note how your breasts move. Look for differences between your left breast and your right one. Do they move in the same way? Check for differences in the size, shape, and color of your breasts with your arms raised. Look directly under your arms (not in the mirror). Check for swelling in your lower armpit, where your lymph nodes are located. What Is Breast Asymmetry? 3 Check Your Nipples Verywell / Cindy Chung Lower your left arm. Check your nipples for dimples, bumps, or retraction, or indentation. With the index and middle fingers of your right hand, gently squeeze the left nipple, pull it forward, and let go. It should spring back into place rather than slowly sink back into the breast. Note if any fluid leaks out. A bloody or clear discharge is potentially worrisome, especially if only one nipple is involved. Discharge that's green, white, or yellow usually is a sign of an infection or a blocked milk duct. 4 Stand and Stroke Verywell / Cindy Chung Raise your left arm overhead. With the fingers of your right hand, stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area. Use firm but gentle pressure. You can also use a circular motion, being sure to cover the entire breast area. Take note of any changes in the texture, color, or size. Switch sides and repeat. Tip Do this step in the shower. Your fingers will glide more smoothly over wet skin. 5 Lie Back and Stroke Verywell / Cindy Chung Lie down with your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to stroke your left breast and underarm. Take note of any changes in the texture or size of your breasts. Switch sides and repeat. Tip The easiest way to do this step is on your bed with your head and shoulders resting on a pillow. General Tips If you decide to do regular BSEs, there are a few things you can do to get the best results: Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE. Report any changes or unusual pain to your healthcare provider or nurse practitioner. Keep a log of changes if that helps you remember. Try not to panic if you find a lump. Most breast lumps are benign. Summary Although some organizations no longer recommend regular BSEs, this practice can help you become more familiar with their breasts. Performing BSEs in combination with other breast cancer screening tools can lead to early detection and treatment. It’s important to never substitute BSEs for screening mammograms and/or breast MRIs. Any changes in your breasts, nipples, or underarms should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately. Frequently Asked Questions When is the best time to do a breast self-exam? The best time to do a breast self-exam is a few days after your menstrual cycle when your breasts are no longer swollen, firm, or painful. If you do not menstruate, choose the same day each month to perform your BSE. At what age should you start doing breast self-exams? Many organizations recommend that you begin performing breast self-exams at the age of 20. This practice will also help you become familiar with your breast's size, appearance, and color. What does a cancerous lump feel like in a breast self-exam? It's normal for breasts to feel lumpy. A breast cancer lump may feel hard, like a small rock or pebble. The lump is often irregularly shaped and painless. Other signs of breast cancer include:· Skin redness· Skin Dimpling· Fluid leaking from your nipple· A change in the size of your breast How often should you check your breasts? You should do breast self-exams monthly. Having a consistent routine will help you become familiar with how your breasts typically look and feel. Report any changes to your healthcare provider immediately. How Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed Originally written by Pam Stephan Pam Stephan Pam Stephan is a breast cancer survivor. Learn about our editorial process Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get honest information, the latest research, and support for you or a loved one with breast cancer right to your inbox. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 6 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Breastcancer.org. Breast cancer risk and risk factors. American Cancer Society. Recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer. Breastcancer.org. Breast self-exam: how to check for lumps and other breast changes. Chen L, Zhou WB, Zhao Y, et al. Bloody nipple discharge is a predictor of breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2011;132(1): 9–14. doi:10.1007/s10549-011-1787-5 Santen RJ. Benign breast disease in women. Endotext [Internet]. Susan G. Komen. Warning signs of breast cancer. Additional Reading Breastcancer.org. Breast self-exam.