Breast Self-Exam

Breast self-exam (BSE) is a step-by-step approach a woman can use to look at and feel her breasts to check for anything abnormal.

Breast self-exam is not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer. Studies have shown breast self-exam does not offer the early detection and survival benefits of other screening tests, such as mammography [62].

A meta-analysis combined the results of the 2 largest randomized controlled trials on breast self-exam. It compared women who did routine breast self-exam to those who did not and found [62]:

• No difference in breast cancer survival
• Women who did breast self-exam had more false positive results, which led to nearly twice as many breast biopsies with negative results (no cancer found)

Know what’s normal for you

Although breast self-exam is not recommended for breast cancer screening, it’s important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. This may help you notice a change.

Learn about the warning signs of breast cancer.

Learn about what to do if you find a breast lump.

Learn about breast cancer screening.

SUSAN G. KOMEN®‘S BREAST SELF-AWARENESS MESSAGES

1. Know your risk Talk with both sides of your family to learn about your family health history. Talk with a health care provider about your risk of breast cancer. 2. Get screened Talk with a health care provider about which screening tests are right for you if you’re at higher risk. Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you’re at average risk.* Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at age 25, and every year starting at age 40.* * Per National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines 3. Know what is normal for you See a health care provider if you notice any of these breast changes: Lump, hard knot or thickening inside the breast or underarm area Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast Change in the size or shape of the breast Dimpling or puckering of the skin Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast Nipple discharge that starts suddenly New pain in one spot that does not go away To see illustrations of these warning signs, please visit the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer page. 4. Make healthy lifestyle choices Maintain a healthy weight. Make exercise part of your routine. Limit alcohol intake. Limit menopausal hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone use). Breastfeed if you can.

Download our Breast Self-Awareness Messages resource for more information.

Updated 07/27/26

This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.