A breast self-exam means regularly looking at and feeling your breasts and armpits. The goal is not to hunt for disease but to learn what your own breast tissue normally feels like. Breast tissue differs from person to person and can change during your cycle; many women naturally have lumpy or uneven tissue. When you know what is normal for you, it is easier to notice a new change.
The best time for the exam is three to five days after your period ends. Hormonal effects are lower on these days, so your breasts are less tender and swollen. If you do not have periods, are pregnant or have gone through menopause, choosing the same day each month is enough. The check starts with looking in the mirror, is repeated with your arms raised, includes the nipples, and then each breast and armpit is felt with your fingertips in small circular motions.
A self-exam does not replace a clinical breast exam or screening such as a mammogram. Decide with your doctor at what age and how often you should be screened, taking your family history into account. Most changes found during a self-exam are benign, but every new finding still needs to be checked by a doctor. Regular checks keep you in charge of your own health.
What you can do
- Offers a 6-step guided check, from the mirror to repeating it in the shower, in about 5 minutes.
- Tick off steps as you go and pick up where you left off if you stop halfway.
- Log the check as 'everything normal' or 'I noticed a concern'.
- Sets a reminder 28 days after a normal check, or one week after you flag a concern.
- If you track your period, shows the ideal time as 3 to 5 days after your period ends.
- Lists the signs that mean you should see a doctor and shows your past checks.
How to use it
- Pick a suitable day; if you have periods, choose 3 to 5 days after your period ends.
- Tap 'Start the check', follow the 6 steps in order and tick each one off.
- When you finish, log whether everything was normal or you noticed a concern.
- Do your next monthly check when the reminder arrives.
Frequently asked questions
How do you do a breast self-exam?
First stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, then with your arms raised, and look at the shape, color and size of your breasts. Check your nipples for pulling in and discharge. Then, lying down or in the shower, use the fingertips of your opposite hand to feel each breast and armpit in small circular motions. Following the same order every month makes it easier to notice changes.
When is the best time to do a breast self-exam?
The best time for a breast self-exam is three to five days after your period ends. Hormonal effects are lower then, so your breasts are less swollen and tender and the tissue is easier to assess. If you do not have periods, are breastfeeding or have gone through menopause, choosing the same day each month is enough. What matters is doing the exam regularly and under similar conditions.
Is every breast lump cancer?
No. Most breast lumps are benign, such as cysts, fibroadenomas or changes related to hormones. Still, you cannot tell what a lump is by touch alone. See your doctor about any lump that is new, hard, fixed in place or growing. If needed, it is assessed with an ultrasound, mammogram or other tests.
At what age should you get a mammogram?
The age to start mammogram screening and how often to repeat it vary by country and guideline, and programs often begin somewhere between 40 and 50. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier. Decide the right age, frequency and method for you together with your doctor. A self-exam does not replace these screenings; it complements them.