How to Check for Breast Cancer: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re wondering how to check your breasts for signs of cancer, you’re taking an important step for your health. Knowing what’s normal for your body makes it easier to notice changes early and act quickly.
A breast self-check is simply a way to stay familiar with your breasts — it’s not about performing a perfect exam, but about paying attention and recognizing changes over time. Today, experts emphasize breast self-awareness alongside professional screenings, because understanding your own “normal” is key to early detection.
At CHRISTUS Health, we provide comprehensive breast care, including mammograms and expert consultations, so you can feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Breasts
Here are three common methods for performing a self-check. Choose the method that makes you most comfortable.
In the Shower
- Raise one arm behind your head.
- Use the pads of your fingers to feel your breast in circular motions.
- Start at the outer edge and move toward the nipple.
- Check for lumps, thickening, or changes in texture.
In Front of a Mirror
- Stand with your arms at your sides, then raise them overhead.
- Look for visible changes in shape, size, or skin texture.
- Check for dimpling, redness, or nipple changes.
Lying Down
- Lie on your back with a pillow under your shoulder.
- Place one arm behind your head.
- Use your opposite hand to feel the breast in small circles, covering the entire area.
Breast Awareness, Breast Self-Exam, or Clinical Screenings: What’s the Difference?
Breast self-awareness means knowing what’s normal for your body, including the shape, texture, and any changes in your breasts that occur over time. This is important because the sooner you notice something unusual, the sooner you can act.
A breast self-exam is a one way to practice breast awareness, but it’s only one part of preventive care. Self-checks help you stay aware, but they do not replace clinical screenings, such as mammograms or exams by a health care provider.
Clinical screenings are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early, especially for women aged 40 and older or anyone with higher risk factors.
When to Start and How Often to Check
You can begin monthly breast self-checks as early as age 20 to learn what’s normal for your body. Consistency matters — perform your check once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends when breasts are less tender. If you don’t have periods, choose the same day each month.
Clinical screenings, such as mammograms, are recommended starting at age 40, or earlier if you have a higher risk due to family history or other factors. Self-checks help you stay aware between visits, but they do not replace professional screenings. Together, these steps give you the best chance to catch changes early and protect your health.
Check Your Risk For Breast Cancer
Complete the CHRISTUS Health Breast Cancer Assessment to receive a report with your breast cancer risk factors and tips on reducing those risks.
What to Look For: Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
When checking your breasts, watch for these signs:
- Lumps or thickened areas in the breast or underarm
- Changes in size, shape, or symmetry
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Nipple discharge (especially bloody or clear)
- Redness, swelling, or warmth
- Persistent pain in one area
When to Contact a Health Care Provider
If you notice any changes during a self-check, schedule a mammogram or consult your doctor immediately. Acting quickly can make a big difference in early detection and treatment if you are diagnosed with cancer.
Who Should Do What Type of Exam?
Together, self-awareness and professional screenings give you the best chance to catch changes early and protect your health.
- Breast Awareness through self-checks: All women can benefit from knowing their normal and doing monthly checks at home.
- Clinical screenings: Recommended for women 40+ and anyone with a family history or other risk factors. Understand what makes you high risk for breast cancer.
Request a Mammogram
Now is the time to take control of your health
We provide the technology and resources for early cancer detection, providing educational materials, guidance, and advanced screening technologies that can help detect and diagnose any abnormalities.
Why Mammograms Matter
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to look for signs of breast cancer that you may not feel or see. They can detect cancer early, often before symptoms appear, which gives you more treatment options and better outcomes.
Screening Recommendations
Self-checks and awareness are helpful, but they can’t replace professional screenings. Mammograms and clinical exams are the most reliable ways to catch breast cancer early, and early detection saves lives.
- Women age 40 and older: Annual mammograms are strongly recommended.
- Higher-risk individuals: If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting screenings earlier or adding other imaging tests.
