ASHEVILLE, N.C (828newsNOW) — Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel can make it easier to recognize a change that should be brought to the attention of a health care provider.
While formal, regimented monthly breast self-exams were once widely recommended, guidance has changed. The American Cancer Society does not recommend regular breast self-exams as a routine screening method for women at average risk because research has not shown that they reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. Instead, women are encouraged to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report changes to a health care provider.
That approach is often referred to as breast self-awareness.
Know what is normal for you
Breasts naturally vary from person to person, and they can change over time. Becoming familiar with your own breasts can help you recognize when something looks or feels different.
One way to become more familiar with your breasts is to occasionally look at them in a mirror. Notice their usual size, shape and appearance. Look for changes such as visible distortion, swelling or differences in the skin or nipples.
You can also raise your arms and look for changes that may not be apparent with your arms at your sides. Another change to pay attention to is unexpected fluid or discharge from one or both nipples.
Pay attention to how your breasts feel
Some people may choose to feel their breasts as another way of becoming familiar with what is normal for them.
While lying down, use the pads of your fingers to feel the breast with a firm, smooth touch. Moving in a consistent pattern can help ensure you cover the breast from the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from the armpit toward the center of the chest.
The same process can be done while standing or sitting. Some people find it easier to feel their breasts in the shower when the skin is wet and slippery.
The goal is not to perform a perfect examination or follow a rigid monthly schedule. Instead, it’s to become familiar enough with your body that you may notice a new or unusual change.
Don’t ignore a change that concerns you
Finding a breast lump does not automatically mean cancer. Many breast lumps are benign. However, a new lump or another breast change that concerns you should be discussed with a health care provider rather than ignored.
The American Cancer Society notes that when breast cancers are discovered because of symptoms, changes are often noticed during ordinary activities such as bathing or dressing rather than during a formal breast self-exam.
Changes that warrant attention can include a new lump, changes in the skin or nipple, or nipple discharge. A health care provider can determine whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Self-awareness doesn’t replace mammograms
Knowing your breasts is not a substitute for recommended breast cancer screening.
Mammograms can detect some cancers before they are large enough to be felt or cause symptoms. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women ages 40 to 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer receive a mammogram every two years.
Other organizations have somewhat different recommendations. The American Cancer Society says women ages 40 to 44 at average risk should have the option to begin annual mammograms, women ages 45 to 54 should receive one each year, and women 55 and older can transition to every other year or continue annual screening.
Women at higher risk of breast cancer may need a different screening schedule or additional screening. A health care provider can help determine an appropriate plan based on factors such as personal and family medical history.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, breast self-awareness can serve as a reminder to pay attention to changes in your body while also keeping up with recommended screenings. If something looks or feels different, don’t wait for the next scheduled mammogram to mention it to a health care provider.
