Taking Charge of Your Health: A Guide to Self-Breast Examination
At Aslan Health, we believe in empowering our community with tools that support prevention and whole-person wellness. One important way women can care for their health is through regular self-breast examinations (SBE). While mammograms and clinical exams remain essential, self-checks are a simple, proactive step you can take at home to better understand your body and notice changes early.
Why Self-Breast Exams Matter
Breast cancer is most treatable when detected early. By becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, you’ll be more likely to notice changes and seek care right away. This practice is not about replacing medical screenings, but about being an active partner in your own health journey.
As Proverbs 31:25 reminds us, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Taking steps to protect your health is one way to walk forward with confidence and peace.
When to Perform a Self-Breast Exam
- Once a month is best.
- Choose the same time each month so it becomes a routine.
- For women who menstruate, do the exam a few days after your period ends, when breasts are least tender or swollen.
- For women after menopause, choose a consistent day each month (such as the first).
How to Do a Self-Breast Exam
There are three common positions:
- In Front of a Mirror
- Stand with shoulders straight, arms at your sides.
- Look for changes in size, shape, or color, and check for dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- Raise your arms and check again.
- Look for any fluid discharge from the nipples.
- In the Shower
- With fingers flat, use gentle circular motions over the entire breast.
- Check the armpit area as well, since breast tissue extends there.
- Lying Down
- Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head.
- Using the pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand, move in small circular motions, covering the entire breast and armpit area.
- Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel different tissue depths.
- Repeat on the other side.
What to Look and Feel For
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size, shape, or symmetry
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Redness, rash, or swelling
- Nipple changes (such as inversion or unusual discharge)
- Persistent pain in one spot
Most changes are not cancer, but it’s important to have anything unusual checked by a healthcare provider.
What to Do if You Find Something
If you notice a lump, change, or anything unusual during your self-exam, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. Most breast changes are not cancer, but it’s always best to get them checked by a healthcare provider.
At Aslan Health, we are a SAGE clinic, which means we can connect qualifying patients to free breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Minnesota Department of Health’s SAGE program. This includes mammograms and follow-up tests if needed. Our team is here to guide you through the process with compassion, affordability, and whole-person care.
How Often to Seek Professional Screenings
- Women 40 and older: Talk with your provider about starting annual mammograms.
- Younger women with family history: Your provider may recommend earlier or more frequent screening.
Whole-Person Care at Aslan Health
Self-care is one part of our Model of Healthy Living. By combining preventive practices like self-exams with regular screenings, emotional support, and faith, you are caring for your body, mind, and spirit.
If you notice changes or have concerns, we welcome you to visit Aslan Health. Our compassionate team will walk with you, providing affordable, whole-person medical care and encouragement.
✨ Takeaway: A monthly self-breast exam is a simple way to honor the body God has given you. When paired with professional screenings, it can bring peace of mind and potentially save lives.