Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, and early detection is critical for successful treatment. While medical screenings are essential, knowing how to self-screen at home empowers women to play an active role in their health. Self-exams can help you become familiar with your body, making it easier to notice changes that may require medical attention.
This October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to expand access to advanced screening with the introduction of Breast MRI at UAB Medical West.
While self-exams are an important part of breast health, combining them with professional imaging—like mammograms and now Breast MRI—gives women even more tools to detect breast cancer early. It’s all part of our commitment to supporting your health with both knowledge and care.
We’ve put this guide together to encourage women in Alabama and beyond to practice regular self-screening. We’ll walk you through the basics of breast cancer, the best times to self-examine, and provide a simple step-by-step process so you feel confident in protecting your health.
A Closer Look at Breast Cancer & Its Risk Factors
Breast cancer is the result of cells in the breast growing uncontrollably. This growth forms a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. This is why awareness and early detection are critical.
Risk factors vary, but some of the most common include age, family history, specific genetic mutations, and previous breast conditions. Lifestyle factors are also influential, and things like smoking, drinking, obesity, and lower activity level can increase the risk. While not all risk factors are preventable, knowing them can help you make informed decisions about screening and overall health.
How Often Should You Self-Screen for Breast Cancer
A self-exam doesn’t need to take long, but timing is important for accuracy. Experts often recommend performing a self-screen once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends, when breast tissue is less swollen or tender.
For postmenopausal women, choosing the same day each month makes it easier to maintain consistency. Consistency matters more than perfection.
By checking regularly, you’ll learn what feels normal for you, which makes it easier to detect changes early. Think of it as part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth or exercising.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Screening
Performing a breast self-exam is easier than you might think, and it can be done in just a few minutes. The goal is to check your breasts in different positions so you notice any changes in appearance or feel.
Visual Check in the Mirror
- Stand with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look for changes in size, shape, or symmetry.
- Notice any skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or rashes.
- Raise your arms overhead and check again, watching for swelling or contour changes.
Manual Exam While Standing or Sitting
- Use the pads of your three middle fingers, moving in small, circular motions across the breast.
- Use a gentle pressure for surface tissue, slightly more pressure for deeper areas, and a firmer touch for tissue close to the chest.
- Start from the outer edge and work toward the nipple, covering the entire breast.
- Be sure to include the underarm area where breast tissue extends.
Manual Exam While Lying Down
- Use a pillow under your shoulder and raise your right arm.
- Using your left hand, palpate the right breast in circular motions, covering the area from the collarbone to the rib and the sternum to the armpit.
- Apply different levels of pressure as you move across the tissue.
- Repeat on the left side, raising your left arm and using your right hand.
What To Look for During Your Self-Exam
It’s important to know what you’re looking for when performing your self-exam. This is because changes may indicate a problem, and while every change isn’t cancer, there are some signs that need to be looked at by healthcare professionals.
- Lumps or thickened tissue that feels different from the surrounding area.
- Swelling in part of the breast, even if no lump is felt.
- Changes in size, shape, or symmetry between the breasts.
- Skin dimpling, puckering, or an “orange peel” texture.
- Redness, rash, or unusual warmth of the breast skin.
- Nipple changes such as inversion, pain, or discharge
- Persistent pain in one spot that does not go away.
By gaining more familiarity with your body, you’ll be better prepared to notice changes, however small or slight.
Where Clinical Screenings & Mammograms Fit In
Self-exams are valuable, but they are not a substitute for professional screenings. Clinical breast exams, performed by a doctor or nurse, provide another layer of protection because healthcare professionals are trained to detect abnormalities you may miss at home.
Mammograms remain the most effective tool for early detection. These low-dose X-rays can identify tumors too small to be felt during a self-exam. Women at average risk are generally advised to begin regular mammograms around age 40, though recommendations vary based on personal and family history.
What To Do If You Notice Changes
Discovering a lump or noticing a change in your breast can be alarming, but it’s important to remember that not all changes mean cancer.
Many breast lumps are benign, caused by conditions such as cysts or fibrous tissue. Still, any change should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious concerns.
If you find something unusual, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They may recommend further testing, such as an ultrasound or mammogram, to better understand what’s happening. Avoid delaying care, since early detection plays a vital role in successful treatment outcomes.
Even if the result is negative for cancer, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing for sure.
Breast Cancer Screening with UAB Medical West
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of how important it is for women to take charge of their health. By practicing monthly self-exams, understanding the signs to watch for, and pairing self-screening with professional evaluations, women can increase their chances of catching breast cancer early.
UAB Medical West: Leading Women’s Health in Alabama
We are proud to support women across Alabama with comprehensive breast cancer screening and care. From self-screening education to clinical screenings and diagnostic imaging, our team is here to help you protect your health. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.