How to Do a Breast Self-Exam: Step-by-Step Monthly Guide

Nov 12, 2025

"Your breasts tell a story—listen, check, and care for them every month."

Taking care of your breast health can feel intimidating at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Performing a breast self-exam is a simple, empowering way to understand your body, notice changes early, and take control of your health. Just a few minutes each month can make a huge difference.

Even if you get regular screenings, self-checks help you recognize what’s normal for your body. And if you’re unsure about your technique, tools like ISCANBREAST can provide extra guidance and confidence.

Why a Breast Self-Exam Matters

A self-exam helps you:

• Detect unusual lumps or thickened areas early
• Identify changes in shape, size, or skin texture
• Track nipple changes or discharge

While self-exams don’t replace clinical screenings, combining manual checks with supportive devices like ISCANBREAST ensures you cover all breast tissue and feel more confident in your monthly routine.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Breast Self-Exam

Here’s a breast self-check method you can follow each month:

Visual Check in Front of a Mirror

• Stand with your shoulders straight and hands on your hips.
• Look for changes in size, shape, or symmetry.
• Check for skin dimpling, redness, or nipple changes.

Raise Your Arms

• Raise your arms overhead and observe the same changes.
• Notice how your breasts move and whether they appear even and natural.

Lying Down Technique

• Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
• Place your right hand behind your head.
• Using the pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand, move in small circular motions over your right breast and armpit.
• Repeat on the other side.

Standing or Sitting

• Many find it easiest in the shower with soapy hands.
• Use the same circular motions to check all breast tissue, including the armpit.

What to Notice and Feel

• Lumps or thickened areas
• Persistent pain in one spot
• Nipple discharge
• Changes in texture, shape, or symmetry

Remember: it’s normal to feel some bumps or firmness, especially depending on your menstrual cycle. The key is noticing anything new or unusual.

Tips for a Monthly Breast Check

• Schedule a regular day each month—a few days after your period is ideal.
• Track your changes: Use notes or photos of your breasts to spot any new lumps, bumps, or differences from month to month.
• Use supportive tools like ISCANBREAST, which can help guide your self-exam and increase confidence.

How ISCANBREAST Can Help

Using ISCANBREAST makes your self-exam easier and more effective. It helps you:

• Cover it all: Check every part of your breast and armpit tissue.
• Stay confident: Follow the right technique with guidance.
• Act early: Detect unusual changes promptly for timely medical advice.

With ISCANBREAST, you get extra reassurance while performing your monthly self-checks, making the process simpler, accurate, and empowering.

Final Thoughts

A breast self-exam is more than a routine—it’s a conversation with your body. Even a few minutes each month helps you connect, notice, and act on changes. Early detection is key, and regular self-checks paired with tools like ISCANBREAST ensure reassurance and ease your worry.

So, take a quiet moment, follow this step-by-step guide, and make breast self-checks a consistent monthly habit. Your body will thank you—and cheer you on every step of the way.