Why A Monthly Self-Exam Matters
Many breast cancers are detected as a result of a person noticing a change in the way their breast looks or feels. A monthly self-exam is a simple health habit which can help you to get to know what is normal for your own body. Self-exams do not replace mammograms. Together, self-exams and regular screening can help find cancer early. A self-exam takes only a few minutes and can fit into a busy schedule.
Know the Symptoms to Watch For
Breast cancer does not always cause pain. Early signs may change how a breast looks or feels. During a self-exam, look and feel for:
- A lump or hard knot in the breast or underarm
- A new area of unusual thickness
- Swelling, dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Changes in nipple appearance or discharge
- A new difference between the breasts
A monthly check helps you learn what is normal for your body. This can make it easier to notice a new change.
How to Do a Three-Step Self-Exam
A complete breast self-exam has three simple steps. If you have periods, do the exam a few days after your period ends, when breast tissue is less swollen. If you no longer have periods, choose the same day each month. Men should also check their chest for changes.
Step 1: Standing Up
Use the flat pads of your three middle fingers. Move up and down from your underarm, across the breast and toward the center of your chest. Check from your ribs to your collarbone. Use light pressure, then medium pressure and then firm pressure. Feel for a lump, hard knot, thick area or other change.
Step 2: Lying Down
Put a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. Use your left hand to check your right breast with the same pattern and levels of pressure. Then switch sides. Feel for a lump, hard knot, thick area or other change.
Step 3: In a Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for swelling, dimples, lumps or changes in your nipples. Next, put your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles. Look for puckering, dimpling or a new difference between the breasts.
Start Yearly Mammograms at Age 40
Self-exams are helpful, but they do not replace medical screening. Mammograms can find breast changes before they can be seen or felt. Yearly mammograms should start at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or you or a close family member have tested positive for the BRCA gene, ask your provider if you should start earlier.
Many adults put off preventive care, so it helps to add screening to your calendar. Online scheduling and virtual visits can make appointments easier to fit into a busy life. A health care provider can also explain what to look for and show you how to do a self-exam.
Take the Next Step with Chesapeake Regional
Finding breast cancer early can save lives. Make two commitments: do a self-exam each month and get a yearly mammogram when it is time. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare offers easy scheduling, breast health specialists and a care team ready to listen. If you notice a change, contact a provider as soon as possible.
Ready to schedule a mammogram or speak with a breast health specialist? Visit ChesapeakeRegional.com or call 757-312-8121.
Can I get a mammogram if I do not have insurance coverage?
You can access free mammograms through Chesapeake Regional's Bra-ha-ha initiative, which funds screening services specifically for uninsured or underinsured individuals. Call the dedicated free mammogram program line at 757-312-6536 to verify your eligibility and schedule a screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I do a breast self-exam?
Do a self-exam once a month. If you have periods, check a few days after your period ends. If you no longer have periods, choose the same day each month.
At what age should yearly mammograms begin?
Yearly mammograms should start at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer ask your provider if you should start earlier.
Can men get breast cancer, and should they do self-exams?
Yes. Men should check their chest each month for a new lump, swelling or other changes.
What are the early signs of breast cancer?
Early signs may include a lump, hard knot, thick area, swelling, skin dimpling or puckering or a change in a nipple.
How can I schedule a mammogram at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare?
Visit ChesapeakeRegional.com to schedule online, or call 757-312-8121.
Should I see a provider if my self-exam seems normal, but I am still concerned?
Yes. A health care provider can answer questions, show you the correct self-exam steps, and suggest screening based on your personal risk.
Meg is a certified breast care nurse and breast health navigator who serves both as a direct point of contact for referring physicians and as an advocate for patients, providing them with a coordinated, seamless and personalized care management plans. With more than 25 years of nursing experience, Meg has served as a breast care navigator for many years and has started two breast care navigator programs.
She is certified by EduCare as a breast health navigator and by the Oncology Nurse’s Certification Corporation as a certified breast care nurse and received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Meg has served as president of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation‘s Board of Directors and lobbied for breast cancer-related issues on both the state and national level. She has also reviewed Breast Cancer Research proposals for the Department of Defense office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.