Iowa Care For Yourself Program

Breast Awareness and Self Exam (SBE or BSE)

What is self-breast exam?

Breast awareness and self exam is a way to check your own breast for lumps or changes.^{Ref: 15}

Who should do self-breast exams?

Every woman should do self-breast exams. SBE is important to finding breast cancer early. You should know how your breasts look and feel. If you know how your breasts look and feel, you can spot very early changes.^{Ref: 16}

How do I do a self-breast exam?

View a video from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website. You can watch the video in English or Spanish.

To do a Self-Breast Exam:
A. Look at your breasts, and
B. Feel your breasts

A. LOOKING At Your Breasts

Look at your breasts and nipples to see what they are like.

• Look for changes in the shape or size of your breasts, or the way they look.
One breast may be a little different than the other. A little difference in size or shape is normal.

• Look for redness, dimpling, rash, or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple leaking, or any change from normal (see "Symptoms").

Look at your breasts in four steps:

1. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms hanging at your side, relaxed.

2. Hold your arms over your head.

3. Press your hands on your hips to tighten your chest muscles.

4. Bend forward with your hands on your hips.

B. FEELING Your Breasts

Get to know what your breasts normally feel like, so that when you do self-breast examinations you will notice changes, such as lumps or tenderness, right away. You should feel your breasts while lying down and standing up.

Lying Down:

Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right hand behind your head.
Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand to examine your right breast.
Press in a small circular motion, using light, medium, and firm pressure.
A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk to your health care provider.
Move around the breast in an up-and-down line pattern.
Move the pillow under your left shoulder. Place your left hand behind your head. Repeat steps 2 through 4 using the finger pads of your right hand to examine your left breast.

Standing Up / in the Shower:

Standing upright, raise your right arm above your head and repeat the same examination steps as you did lying down. Using lotion or oil will help your fingers glide more easily over your skin making the exam easier. It will also help you find changes.
You may wish to do the examination in the bathtub or shower, using soapy hands.^{Ref: 17}

Important Things to Remember:

Most lumps are harmless but if you find a lump or other changes in your breasts or chest, see your health care provider right away. Find a Care for Yourself Program Near You!
Do the self breast exam the same way each time. Check your entire chest area (from the middle of your armpit down to just under your breast, across the bottom of your breast to the middle of the breastbone, up along the breastbone to your collarbone, along both sides of the collarbone to your shoulder, and down along your shoulder to the middle of your armpit). Doing the same pattern over and over will help you know how your breast feels, letting you feel any changes earlier.
EXAMINE YOUR BREASTS EVERY MONTH.

When should I do the self-breast exam?

If you menstruate, do the self-breast exam one week after your period each month. Your breasts will be softer and less swollen or tender.^{Ref: 18}
If you are postmenopausal, have irregular periods, or are pregnant, do the self-breast exam at the same time each month. Pick a date you can easily remember and do the self-breast exam each month on that day.^{Ref: 19}

Why should I do self-breast exams?

You should know how your breasts normally look and feel. If you know how your breasts look and feel, you can spot very early changes.^{Ref: 20}

About 80% of breast lumps found are NOT CANCEROUS.
Early Detection = Early Treatment = Better Outcome!

For more information, contact your local Care for Yourself, program or call (800) 369-2229 or (800) 735-2942 (V/TTY).

You may also use the "Contact Us" page to submit questions online or write to us at:
Iowa Care for Yourself Program
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection/WISEWOMAN
Iowa Department of Public Health
Lucas State Office Building
321 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075