There's a small moment in front of the mirror — arms raised, getting dressed — when you probably already glance at your breasts without thinking much about it. A breast self-examination simply turns that glance into a habit with a bit of method behind it. It isn't a test, and it doesn't replace any screening your doctor recommends. What it does is teach you what your own breasts normally look and feel like, so that if something changes, you're the first to know.

The tutorial at the top of this page walks through the technique slowly and clearly. At just over five minutes, it shows the examination step by step — how to look, and how to feel — so you can follow along the first time and then do it on your own in a couple of minutes. Many women pair it with the site's shorter animated step-by-step guide to breast self-examination, which covers the same ground in about a minute if you'd like the quick version first.

Start with what's normal for you

Here's the part nobody tells you: breasts aren't smooth, uniform tissue. They naturally feel somewhat lumpy, the two sides are rarely perfect twins, and they change across the month — fuller and more tender before a period, softer afterwards. None of that is a warning sign by itself. The goal of examining yourself isn't to hunt for a specific thing; it's to learn your own baseline, lumps, bumps and all, so that a new change stands out against it.

The looking part comes first

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips, then again with your arms raised overhead, and once more leaning slightly forward. You're looking at the skin and the shape: any new dimpling or puckering, redness or a scaly patch, a nipple that has newly turned inward, or a change in size or outline that wasn't there last month. Good light helps, and so does taking the same unhurried look each time rather than a rushed one.

Then let your fingers do the work

Lying down spreads the tissue more evenly, and many women also repeat the check standing in the shower, where wet skin lets the fingers glide. Use the flat pads of your middle fingers — not the tips — and press at a few depths: light, then medium, then firmer, so you feel the tissue at different levels. Work in a pattern that covers everything, whether that's small circles moving across, or up-and-down strips — the pattern matters less than not leaving gaps. And don't stop at the breast itself: cover the area up to the collarbone and into the armpit, because breast tissue reaches there too.

Picking your moment

Timing is about comfort more than rules. Breasts are usually least tender and least lumpy in the days just after a period ends, which makes that a practical time to check. If you no longer have periods, anchoring the habit to a fixed day each month — the first, say — works just as well. Think of it the way our guide to the Pap smear puts it for that test: a small, regular bit of attention that becomes routine once you've done it a few times.

If something feels different

A new lump, thickening, discharge, or skin change is a reason to book an appointment — not a reason to panic. Most breast changes turn out not to be cancer, but only an in-person examination, and imaging if your doctor advises it, can sort out which kind yours is. What you shouldn't do is wait to see whether it disappears on its own, and you shouldn't keep prodding it daily hoping for reassurance. Note when you first noticed it, mention it promptly, and let the professionals take it from there.

MedicalVideos.com has published trusted medical videos since 2007. The site was founded by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, MD, PhD — physician, researcher, and former Duke faculty.

Educational only — this article is general information about breast self-examination, not medical advice. Any breast change you notice should be assessed by your own doctor or care team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I examine my breasts?
There is no single compulsory schedule. What matters is familiarity: checking regularly — many women choose roughly once a month — means you learn your own normal and spot changes sooner. The habit counts more than the exact interval.

Does a self-examination replace mammograms or check-ups?
No. Self-examination is about awareness between appointments; it is not a screening test and doesn't take the place of mammograms or clinical breast exams your doctor recommends for you.

I found a lump. Should I be worried?
Most lumps are not cancer, and breasts are naturally somewhat lumpy. But a new lump or a new thickened area should always be checked in person, promptly. Book the appointment rather than waiting to see if it goes away.

What if my breasts are tender or I'm breastfeeding?
Tenderness and fullness are common with hormonal changes, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, and all of those shift what "normal" feels like for a while. You can still get to know that temporary normal — and any change that persists or worries you is worth raising at your next visit, or sooner.

Can I do the examination standing up only?
You can, and the shower is a popular place for it. Many guides, including the video on this page, suggest lying down as well, because the tissue spreads more evenly against the chest and some areas are easier to feel. Doing both positions once is a good way to discover which suits you.