Breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue, and milk-producing (mammary) glands. Due to the various components of breast tissue, most breasts do not feel smooth. They normally have harmless "lumps and bumps." The milk-producing glands change in size and shape due to natural hormonal fluctuations which occur, for example, at different times during the menstrual/ovarian cycle. Therefore, breasts may swell and feel lumpy or painful sometimes due to particular phases of the menstrual cycle. This is normal for most women. Because of these natural changes in breast tissue, it is recommended that you perform the Breast Self Exam about 2-3 days after your period, when breast tenderness and swelling has subsided. If your periods are irregular or you no longer menstruate, examine your breasts on about the same day every month.
What To Do If You Find a Lump
Finding a lump can be frightening and upsetting. Most lumps are not cancerous. They can be the expression of other conditions caused by hormones or heredity. It is important to see your healthcare provider for a medical examination regarding any irregularities with your health.
What Do "Normal" Breasts Look Like?
Breasts are as individual as our faces and personalities. In fact, most women have right and left breasts that do not exactly match one another in shape or size. What's normal for one woman may not be for another. Therefore, it is important to perform monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE) in order to get to know your own breasts—i.e., what is normal and healthy for you.
Why Do Breast Self Exam?
Breast cancer affects women of all ages. However, younger women have thicker breast tissue than older women. This may make lumps more difficult to detect for younger women. Because most lumps are found by women themselves, it is important to get to know your own breasts. Regular Breast Self Exam helps women recognize changes in their breasts. The BSE is preventive in nature because early detection helps treatment work more effectively.
How to Examine Your Breasts
The important thing is that you check your entire breast. This area extends into the underarm itself, between the breasts, up to the collarbone and over to the shoulder.
Using the pads of your first three fingers, press firmly into your breast and move your fingers in a circular motion, cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side.
Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You are checking for lumpy, thick or hard tissue. A ridge of firm tissue in the lower curve of each breast is normal. Some lumpiness is normal, but each woman's breasts are different.
Where To Do Breast Self Exam
In a Mirror
Look for any changes in the size, shape or texture of your breasts. This may include dimpling, puckering, scaliness or discoloration. The visual exam is performed in 3 positions. First stand with your arms at your sides and look for changes. Then raise your arms high above your head. Finally, place your hands on your hips and firmly press down, flexing your chest muscles.
Lying Down
Lie down and place a pillow or rolled-up towel under your right shoulder. Place your right hand behind your head. This position distributes breast tissue more evenly, making your exam more thorough. Check your right breast with your left hand. Repeat for your left breast. Gently squeeze each nipple, looking for unusual discharge. You can try using lotion, powder or body oils to help your fingers move across your skin more easily.
In the Shower
In the shower, raise your right arm above your head and use your left hand to examine your right breast. Repeat for your left breast. Gently squeeze each nipple, looking for unusual discharge. Using soapy water allows your hand to glide more easily over your skin.