Breast Exam

Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years, starting in their 20s and annually after age 40. Self-breast exams are also recommended monthly to monitor for any changes.

Breast exams are essential for early detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Regular exams help identify lumps or changes in breast tissue that may indicate a problem.

While not as precise as a mammogram, breast exams can effectively detect lumps and other changes that warrant further investigation. They are a valuable tool in combination with imaging for early detection of breast conditions.

Clinical breast exams should start in a womans 20s, with frequency increasing annually after age 40. Women should also begin performing monthly self-breast exams in their 20s to monitor for any changes. Those with a family history of breast cancer or are otherwise at a higher risk of developing the disease will create a personalized screening schedule with one of our providers to best suit their needs.

You can perform a self-breast exam either standing or lying down with your shirt and bra off. When standing, use the pads of your fingers to feel for lumps or changes in breast tissue, moving in a circular motion from the outer breast toward the nipple. When lying down, put one arm behind your head and use the pads of your fingers on your free arm to feel the tissue covering your entire breast and armpit area, then repeat on the other side. It’s best to do this once a month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle ends.

A clinical breast exam typically takes just a few minutes to complete. The time may vary slightly depending on the size of your breasts and any findings that require additional evaluation.

Breast exams are generally not painful, but some women may experience slight discomfort, especially if they have sensitive breasts. If you feel pain during the exam, inform your provider so they can adjust their technique.

During a breast exam, our providers check for lumps, thickened tissue, or any changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture. They also examine the underarm area for swollen lymph nodes, which can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Common red flags during a breast exam include the discovery of a lump, changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge, or skin dimpling. These findings may require further testing, such as a mammogram or ultrasound, to determine the cause.