Published on June 02, 2026

illustration of a woman getting a mammogram and radiologist looking at monitor.

How to Do a Self-Breast Exam and Changes to Check For

Breasts change in many ways as women age and can sometimes mean a change in breast cancer risk.

Your monthly self-exam is a great time to look for any changes in feel or look between yearly mammograms once you turn 40.

These combined efforts can help ensure any changes are caught at the earliest possible moment, said Nara Judd, MD, a breast surgeon for Avera who specializes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Judd sees firsthand how types of breast cancer can grow and develop.

“We know that mammogram screenings are important for earlier cancer diagnosis,” Judd said. “But we encourage women to get to know the feel of their breasts and let us know when there is a change.”

Breast Changes That Could Indicate Cancer Risk

  • Change in size or shape
  • Redness or rash
  • Discharge
  • New inverted nipple
  • Lump
  • Puckering or dimpling (like orange peel)

How to Do a Self-Breast Exam

Self-exams should be done once a month to feel for lumps, tenderness or other changes in the breast. It’s important to note a monthly self-breast exam is not a replacement for a yearly mammogram. Feel for any bumps in the breast that you haven’t noticed before.

Menstruating women should perform these self-exams a few days after the end of their period. If possible, try do them the same time each month so you can better compare.

illustration of patterns to use when doing a breast self exam.

Lie Down or Look in the Mirror

  • Use a firm touch with the pads of three fingers. Keep fingers flat and together. Use the right hand to feel left breast, and the left hand to feel the right breast.
  • Raise your arm and examine the entire breast from collarbone to the top of abdomen and from armpit to cleavage.
illustration of methods to use when doing a breast self exam.

Use One of Two Patterns

  1. Begin at the nipple. Move your fingers in a circle in larger circles until you reach the edge of the breast.
  2. Move your fingers up and down in rows from one side to the other.

When to Call Your Provider

Call your provider if you feel or see any changes. It’s best to rule out anything serious rather than waiting to see.

Finally, don’t forget to schedule your yearly mammogram starting at age 40.

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