Breast Self-Examination | Hattiesburg Clinic

Breast Self-Exam Overview

A breast self-exam is a way to check for changes in your breasts by feeling for and visually inspecting any abnormalities. While a self-exam is not a substitute for routine mammograms or professional exams, it helps you become more familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to detect unusual changes.

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we encourage you to make self-examination part of your health routine alongside our comprehensive services at our Breast Center of Excellence. Our team is here to support your breast health with advanced diagnostic and treatment options.

When should I perform a breast self-exam?

The best time to perform a breast self-exam is a few days after your menstrual cycle each month, when your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen. For women who no longer menstruate, choosing the same day each month can help make the exam a regular part of your routine.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women start becoming familiar with the normal appearance and feel of their breasts at age 20. This helps establish a baseline for breast health, making it easier to notice any changes as they age. For women at higher-than-average risk—such as those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a personal history of breast conditions—more frequent self-exams may be advisable.

How do I perform a breast self-exam?

Performing a breast exam on yourself can be done at home and only takes a few minutes. At Hattiesburg Clinic, we guide patients through the steps and recommend the following approach options:

In Front of a Mirror: Stand with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips. Look for changes in size, shape or symmetry. Check for visible distortions such as dimpling, puckering or changes in the nipple. Repeat this examination while resting your palms on your hips and firmly flexing your chest muscles.
While Lying Down: After placing a pillow under one shoulder, raise the corresponding arm behind your head. Using your opposite hand, perform small circular motions to feel the entire breast. Be sure to cover the area from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit to the center of the chest. Once you have examined this side thoroughly, repeat the process on the opposite breast.
In the Shower: Many women find it easier to feel changes when their skin is wet. Follow the same circular pattern as you would when lying down, paying attention to any lumps or thickened areas.

What are the typical results of a breast self-exam?

The typical results of a breast self-exam can vary depending on each person’s unique breast tissue. Most of the time, no changes or irregularities will be found, and your breasts will feel and look as they normally do. It is common for breast tissue to feel slightly lumpy or uneven, especially around the time of your menstrual cycle, and this is generally normal.

However, during a breast self-exam, you may notice certain changes that should be reported to your health care provider. These may include:

A new lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm

Dimpling, puckering or swelling of the skin

Nipple changes, such as inversion, discharge or scaling

Redness, warmth or unusual tenderness

If you detect any of these changes, it is important to have them evaluated by a health care professional.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

At Hattiesburg Clinic in Mississippi, our Breast Center of Excellence has been serving patients for decades, offering unparalleled experience in breast health care. Our team of dedicated physicians is not only highly skilled but also deeply passionate about providing the highest quality care for every patient.

Whether you are coming in for regular screening or have concerns about changes in your breasts, our knowledgeable and compassionate team is here to support you.

Breast Self-Exam

Breast Self-Exam Overview

When should I perform a breast self-exam?

How do I perform a breast self-exam?

What are the typical results of a breast self-exam?

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic for Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

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