How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the epithelial tissue of the breast and is the most common malignancy threatening women’s physical and mental health. With early diagnosis and standardized treatment, the cure rate can exceed 90%. Therefore, timely detection is critically important. So, how can one perform self-examination for breast cancer? The following section addresses this question.

How to Perform Breast Self-Examination

1. Visual Inspection (Inspection)

During bathing, stand before a mirror and observe your breasts for signs such as redness or swelling of the skin; “orange-peel” texture (peau d’orange); skin dimpling; nipple enlargement; nipple inversion or deviation. Normally, nipples point slightly downward; note any asymmetry, retraction, or deviation. Next, raise both arms overhead and rotate your torso; alternatively, place your hands on your hips and rotate your body. If a deep-seated mass is present, these maneuvers may reveal asymmetry or other abnormal signs in breast contour or movement.

2. Palpation (Manual Examination)

For palpation, use your right hand to examine the left breast and your left hand to examine the right breast. Systematically examine the entire breast tissue—either clockwise or counterclockwise—using the pads of your four fingers (index through ring fingers), with the metacarpophalangeal joints slightly flexed. Apply firm, consistent pressure—not too light nor too heavy—and move the skin and underlying tissue together in small circular motions. Begin with larger concentric circles and gradually progress inward, ensuring thorough coverage.

Additional Information: Symptoms of Breast Cancer

1. Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge occurring outside lactation periods may signal concern. Discharge may be bloody, serous, or purulent, and volume may vary. In early-stage breast cancer, discharge is typically scant, intermittent, and clear or pale. Prompt medical evaluation is essential if such symptoms arise.

2. Skin Changes

Skin alterations correlate with tumor depth and degree of invasion. Common findings include dilated superficial veins and “orange-peel” skin (peau d’orange). In inflammatory breast cancer, large areas of the chest wall may appear darkened, hardened, thickened, and studded with carcinoma-associated plaques and ulcers—resembling armor (“armored chest wall”). Nipple retraction or inversion may also occur.

3. Breast Mass

An early sign is a painless breast lump. Some patients detect a pea-sized, firm, mobile nodule in the breast during early disease stages. Others may experience localized discomfort or tenderness without an identifiable mass.

The above outlines key steps for breast self-examination. We hope this information proves helpful.