How much do you know about your own breasts? In the video above, Dr. Candy Arentz, breast surgical oncologist at Houston Methodist, explains why a regular breast self-exam, also referred to as a self-breast exam, is an important way to learn what "normal" feels like so you can spot potential signs of breast cancer.
"A good time to start breast self-awareness is around age 20, so you can recognize changes," Dr. Arentz says. "Self-exams can be monthly during your period, or any routine as long as they're frequent."
Dr. Arentz recommends beginning your breast self-exam in the shower:
- Spread the breast tissue out using your palm or fingertips.
- Feel for changes in texture, such as a small lump or an area that's a bit thicker than surrounding tissue.
- Examine all your breast tissue vertically, from your shoulder bone down past where your breast ends.
- Repeat the process horizontally, starting at your sternum and going outward past the edge of your breast.
- Don't forget under your arms — this is where your lymph nodes are found.
After your shower, examine your breasts in the mirror:
- Is there a difference in the shape of each breast that's new?
- Are your nipples pointing in the same direction?
- Does a nipple appear to be inverted or sunken in?
- Do you see any changes in skin texture, or an unusual dimple or divot?
"If there's any change, that's something you should tell your doctor," says Dr. Arentz. "And we want you to keep up with your self-exams even after you start getting mammograms."
(Related: Top 6 Questions About Breast Lumps)
