Breast self-examination: a simple step-by-step monthly guide
Updated: 4 days ago
Doctor at THE CLINICS for this topic: Dr Gopal Puri, breast, endocrine and general surgeon · MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Breast, Endocrine and General Surgery), AIIMS New Delhi; FEBS (Breast Surgery); FCLS · Delhi Medical Council Reg. No. 21499
OPD at THE CLINICS Green Park, Mon–Sat 6–8 pm; operates at THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas · View profile
Medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (Delhi Medical Council Reg. No. 37887). This article was prepared with AI assistance. It is general information and does not replace a consultation.
Breast self-examination means checking your own breasts regularly so that you know what is normal for you and notice changes early. It takes about five minutes a month. It does not replace a doctor's examination or screening mammograms, but many breast lumps are first noticed by the woman herself.
When should you examine your breasts?
If you have periods: once a month, 3–5 days after your period ends, when breasts are least swollen or tender
After menopause, or if periods are irregular: pick a fixed date each month, for example the 1st
During pregnancy or breastfeeding: keep checking monthly; breasts change a lot, so mention anything new at your antenatal or postnatal visit
Step 1: Look in the mirror
Stand undressed from the waist up, arms by your sides, then with hands on hips, then with arms raised. Look at each breast for:
A change in size or shape, or one breast that looks different from usual
Dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin
Redness, a rash, scaling or thickened "orange-peel" skin
A nipple that has turned inwards or changed position
Step 2: Feel lying down
Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand, kept flat. Move in small coin-sized circles, using light, then medium, then firm pressure, so you feel tissue at every depth. Cover the whole breast in a pattern, up and down in strips, from the collarbone to below the breast and from the armpit to the breastbone. Then switch sides.
Step 3: Feel standing or in the shower
Repeat the same circles while standing; many women find wet, soapy skin makes this easier. Finish by checking each armpit and the area above the collarbone for lumps.
Step 4: Check the nipples
Gently look at and press around each nipple. Note any discharge, especially if it is bloodstained or comes from one nipple without squeezing.
What changes should you report?
A new lump or a hard knot, in the breast or armpit
Thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast
Skin dimpling, puckering, redness or a sore
A nipple that turns inwards, or nipple discharge
Breast pain in one spot that does not go away after your next period
Normal breasts often feel lumpy or ropey, especially before a period. What matters is something new or different from your usual pattern. Most changes turn out to be harmless, such as cysts or fibroadenomas, but they should be checked.
Common myths
"Examining my breasts can spread cancer." False. Self-examination is safe.
"Only women with a family history need to check." False. Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history.
"A lump that doesn't hurt is nothing to worry about." Not true. Many breast cancers are not painful, so any new lump should be examined.
Self-examination, clinical examination and screening
Self-examination helps you know your normal. A clinical breast examination by a doctor, and imaging (ultrasound for younger women, mammography for older women) when advised, find changes that cannot be felt. Ask your doctor when you should start screening mammograms; this is often from around 40–50, or earlier if you have a strong family history or a known gene change such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Men can check too
Men can get breast cancer, usually as a firm lump behind the nipple. The same monthly look-and-feel check applies. See our guide to male breast cancer.
Frequently asked questions
When should I examine my breasts?
Once a month, a few days after your period ends; after menopause, on a fixed date each month.
How do I do a breast self-exam?
Look in a mirror for changes, then feel each breast and armpit with flat fingers in small circles, lying down and standing.
What changes should I report?
A new lump, thickening, skin dimpling, nipple changes or discharge, or swelling in the armpit.
Does self-examination replace a mammogram?
No. It helps you know what is normal for you; screening mammograms are advised from an age your doctor recommends.
Book a consultation
If you notice a change, breast consultations with Dr Gopal Puri are at THE CLINICS Green Park (G-32, Ground Floor, Green Park Main Market Road, New Delhi 110016), Monday to Saturday, 6–8 pm, by appointment. Surgery, if needed, is at THE CLINICS MISC Hauz Khas. Call or WhatsApp +91 9217381353.
Related: Breast cancer symptoms · Breast pain (mastalgia) · Breast cancer surgery in Delhi · Breast lump and fibroadenoma (link once the new guide is live)
Prepared with AI assistance and medically reviewed by Dr Saurabh Bansal (DMC Reg. No. 37887), THE CLINICS. General information only; it does not replace a consultation.
