6 Easy Steps for Breast Self-Examination

10 Oct 2025

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When it comes to breast health, early detection can make all the difference. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay proactive is by practicing regular breast self-examinations (BSE). This quick, at-home check only takes a few minutes and helps you become more familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any unusual changes.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through 6 easy steps for breast self-examination so you can take charge of your health with confidence.

Why Is Breast Self-Examination Important?

Doctors recommend performing a breast self-exam once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breast tissue is less swollen and tender.

Why Is Breast Self-Examination Important?

Helps you detect lumps, thickening, or other unusual changes early.
Encourages body awareness so you can notice when something feels different.
Complements routine clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Provides peace of mind when you make it part of your monthly self-care routine.

Doctors recommend performing a breast self-exam once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breast tissue is less swollen and tender.

Step 1: Stand in Front of a Mirror

Remove your top and bra, then stand with your arms relaxed at your sides. Look closely at your breasts in the mirror. Notice their size, shape, and symmetry. Don’t worry if one breast is slightly larger than the other, that’s completely normal.

Step 1: Stand in Front of a Mirror

Step 2: Check with Different Arm Positions

Raise your arms above your head, then place your hands on your hips and lean slightly forward. This position makes it easier to spot changes. Look for dimpling, puckering, swelling, or changes in skin texture.

Step 2: Check with Different Arm Positions

Step 3: Look for Nipple Changes

Check if there’s any unusual discharge (clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid), inversion (if your nipple suddenly pulls inward), or changes in color or texture around the nipple or areola.

Step 3: Look for Nipple Changes

Check if there’s any unusual discharge (clear, bloody, or yellowish fluid), inversion (if your nipple suddenly pulls inward), or changes in color or texture around the nipple or areola.

Step 4: Feel Your Breasts While Standing

Using the pads of your three middle fingers, gently press your breast in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast from the collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Start with light pressure, then medium, then firm, to feel different tissue depths.

Step 4: Feel Your Breasts While Standing

Step 5: Check While Lying Down

When you lie down, breast tissue spreads out evenly, making it easier to feel deeper areas. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, examine your right breast in the same circular motion. Switch sides and repeat.

Step 5: Check While Lying Down

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Armpits

Breast tissue extends into the armpit area, so gently feel there too. Look for any swelling, hardness, or lumps that might not be visible.

Step 6: Don’t Forget the Armpits

Breast tissue extends into the armpit area, so gently feel there too. Look for any swelling, hardness, or lumps that might not be visible.

What to Look Out For?

Breasts naturally feel lumpy or uneven, and your cycle can affect texture and sensitivity. What’s important is noticing new or unusual changes, such as:

What to Look Out For?

Breasts naturally feel lumpy or uneven, and your cycle can affect texture and sensitivity. What’s important is noticing new or unusual changes, such as:

A lump or thickened tissue that feels different from surrounding tissue
Changes in the size, shape, or symmetry of your breasts.
Skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or a rash.
Persistent pain in one area of the breasts.
Unexplained nipple discharge or sudden nipple inversion.

What Should I Do Now?

If you find anything unusual, don’t panic; most changes are not cancer. Still, it’s important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

What Should I Do Now?

If you find anything unusual, don’t panic; most changes are not cancer. Still, it’s important to consult your doctor for further evaluation.

Note your findings: write down what you observed and when.
Schedule a doctor’s appointment: consult your doctor or a breast specialist as soon as possible.
Follow up with screening: your doctor may recommend an ultrasound, mammogram, or further testing.
Continue monthly self-exams: staying consistent helps you recognize what’s “normal” for your body.

Doing a breast self-examination once a month is one of the simplest ways to care for your health. The best time is about a week after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. For women who no longer menstruate, pick a consistent date each month.

Remember: early detection saves lives. Stay familiar with your body, listen to the signs it gives you, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if something feels off.

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