Breast self-examination

Breast self-examination

Regular self-exams of the breasts increase the possibility of detecting breast cancer early. Feel free to examine your breasts after your period, because that's when the breasts are at their softest. If you notice any changes, you should contact a doctor

Examine the breasts!

You know your breasts best. If you regularly examine your breasts, you will get to know your breasts, and you will be able to more easily detect changes that may indicate disease and breast cancer. Also follow the mammography program and attend the assigned appointment when you are summoned.

How to examine the breasts?

Examining your breasts yourself is easy and doesn't have to take more than a couple of minutes. It is recommended to examine the breasts regularly, approx. every two months from the age of 30-35. For women who are still menstruating, it is recommended to carry out the self-examination a week after the end of menstruation. This is partly because the breasts can be experienced as extra tender and "lumpy" in the days around menstruation.

In the mirror

Stand straight in front of a mirror, with no clothes on your upper body.

Look carefully at the breasts for obvious changes - are there visible swellings, sunken skin or skin changes? Is there fluid coming from the nipple?

Raise your arm in the air and look for the same changes as above. Does your chest change shape when you stretch your arm in the air?

Tackle one arm and one chest at a time. Use the opposite hand to feel and feel on and around the entire chest - work systematically!

Feel free to use a skin cream or body lotion on the breasts.

Remember the armpits - also look for changes and lumps here.

In the shower

Soap the breasts.

Raise your left arm.

Feel for unevenness with the right hand and with flat fingers.

Use light to medium pressure and small circular motions.

Work systematically and carefully through the entire chest.

Repeat on the right breast.

Remember the armpits!

Lying down

Especially if the breasts are large, it may be easier to detect small lumps lying down.

Place a pillow under the left shoulder. Place your left arm under your head.

Use the whole hand or two flat fingers - preferably with skin cream or lotion.

Feel through the left breast with small circular movements. Use light or medium pressure on each area of the breast.

Repeat on the right breast.

Remember the armpits!

What should I look for when examining the breasts?

A new lump in the chest.

Changes in shape or weight.

Skin changes such as sores, indentations and depressions, or discolouration.

If one breast has become lower than the other (compared to before).

Fluid and abnormal contents from the nipple.

Source: Norwegian Cancer Society