What is a Self-Breast Exam?

A Self-Breast Exam is a simple, at-home check that allows you to look for lumps, changes, or unusual signs in your breasts. It does not replace medical screening, but it can help you become more familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel—making it easier to spot changes early.

How to perform a Self-Breast Exam

Step 1: Look

• Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides.
• Check for changes in breast shape, size, or symmetry.
• Watch out for dimpling, swelling, redness, or changes in the nipple.

Step 2: Raise Your Arms

• Lift both arms overhead.
• Look for the same changes in shape, skin, or nipple appearance.

Step 3: Feel While Standing or Sitting

• Use the pads of your three middle fingers.
• Move in small circular motions across the whole breast—from collarbone to top of the abdomen, and from armpit to cleavage.
• Apply light, medium, and firm pressure to feel different tissue depths.

Step 4: Feel While Lying Down

• Place a pillow under your shoulder and your arm behind your head.
• Use your opposite hand to examine each breast carefully, covering the entire area.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of the following, schedule a check-up right away:

• A lump or thickened area that feels different from the rest of the breast
• Pain in the breast or nipple that doesn’t go away
• Skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or scaling
• Discharge from the nipple (especially if bloody)
• An inverted nipple or sudden nipple changes

Remember: Finding something unusual doesn’t always mean cancer, but it’s always safer to get checked by a doctor.

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This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere Philippines and is republished on Manulife Philippines' website with permission.