Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of three ways to detect breast cancer. The best cancer check is a breast x-ray or mammogram. The third way is a clinical breast exam.

BSE is easy to do. Knowing how your breasts look and feel will help you notice any changes. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.

BSE should be done monthly. Check your breasts about one week after your period. If you don't have regular periods, do it at the same time every month.

American Cancer Society Guidelines for Early Detection

Breast Self-Exam:
Optional, but provides an opportunity to know more about your body and your breasts.

Clinical Exam:
See a doctor or nurse for a physical breast exam. It should be part of a woman's periodic health examination. A clinical breast exam should occur about every 3 years for women in their 20s & 30s and annually for women over 40.

Mammography:
Women should have a baseline mammogram by age 40 and then once every year.

How to Examine Your Breasts

FEEL for Changes
position for breast self-exam
Lie Down with a towel under right shoulder; raise right arm above the head.
Examine area from:
· underarm to lower bra line
· across to breast bone
· up to collar bone
· back to armpit

hand Use the pads of the three middle fingers of the left hand. Hold hand in bowed position. Move fingers in dime-sized circles.
Use three levels of pressure:
· light
· medium
· firm

patterns for breast self-exam Examine entire areas using vertical strip pattern.

Now check your left breast with your right hand in the same way. If there are any lumps, knots or changes, tell your doctor right away.

LOOK for Changes
Hands at side. Compare for symmetry.
Look for changes in:
· shape
· color
Check for:
· puckering
· dimpling
· skin changes
· nipple discharge

Hands over head. Check front and side.
View for:
· symmetry
· puckering
· dimpling

Hands on hips, press, down, bend forward.
Check for:
· symmetry
· nipple direction
· general appearance

Appointments & Forms Make Your Appointment Online Required Forms For New Students Immunizations Health Information and Immunization Records Services Acute Care Clinic Allergy Clinic Counseling and Psychiatric Services Dental Clinic Health Promotion Laboratory Medical Clinic Pharmacy Physical Therapy Radiology Sports Medicine Travel Medicine Women's Clinic Insurance The Big Issues Alcohol and Other Drugs Anonymous HIV Testing Consent Is Sexy Just For Parents MyStudentBody.com at UGA Nutrition Sexual Health Stress Tobacco UGA Campaign For Every Body Volunteer Opportunities Health Topics About UHC Accreditation Calendar Clinic Hours Confidentiality, Patients' Rights and Responsibilities Contact Us Financial Information Location, Transportation and Parking Just For Parents Meet Our Staff Mission Related Links Telephone Directory Home
Back to Health Topics page Breast Self-Exam Breast self-examination (BSE) is one of three ways to detect breast cancer. The best cancer check is a breast x-ray or mammogram. The third way is a clinical breast exam. BSE is easy to do. Knowing how your breasts look and feel will help you notice any changes. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. BSE should be done monthly. Check your breasts about one week after your period. If you don't have regular periods, do it at the same time every month. American Cancer Society Guidelines for Early Detection Breast Self-Exam: Optional, but provides an opportunity to know more about your body and your breasts. Clinical Exam: See a doctor or nurse for a physical breast exam. It should be part of a woman's periodic health examination. A clinical breast exam should occur about every 3 years for women in their 20s & 30s and annually for women over 40. Mammography: Women should have a baseline mammogram by age 40 and then once every year. How to Examine Your Breasts
FEEL for Changes Lie Down with a towel under right shoulder; raise right arm above the head. Examine area from: · underarm to lower bra line · across to breast bone · up to collar bone · back to armpit Use the pads of the three middle fingers of the left hand. Hold hand in bowed position. Move fingers in dime-sized circles. Use three levels of pressure: · light · medium · firm Examine entire areas using vertical strip pattern. Now check your left breast with your right hand in the same way. If there are any lumps, knots or changes, tell your doctor right away.	LOOK for Changes Hands at side. Compare for symmetry. Look for changes in: · shape · color Check for: · puckering · dimpling · skin changes · nipple discharge Hands over head. Check front and side. View for: · symmetry · puckering · dimpling Hands on hips, press, down, bend forward. Check for: · symmetry · nipple direction · general appearance
University Health Center University of Georgia 370 River Road; Athens, GA 30602 706-542-1162 Email the Health Center © 2007 University Health Center at the University of Georgia The Health Center is fully accredited by the Joint Commission.