Monthly breast
self-exams

Your breasts are always changing – and that’s completely normal. Hormones, age, stress, and even exercise can make them feel different from month to month.

Doing regular self-checks helps you stay familiar with what’s normal for you, so you can notice small changes early.

We think of self-exams as part of your ongoing conversation with your body – not something to worry over, but a way to stay in tune.

You’re not looking for trouble

you’re learning what’s

normal

for you.

If you do find something new – don’t panic. Most changes are benign.
Just make a note and get in touch with your doctor or with us, so we can take a closer look.

You’re not looking for trouble

- you’re learning what’s normal for you.

Why it matters

You get to know your breasts over time – how they feel, move, and change.
You may pick up something between screenings.
It helps you feel more confident and connected to your health between screenings.

How often to do it

Once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends.
If you’re post-menopausal, just pick one day each month to stay consistent.

What to look and feel for

New lumps, thickening, or hard areas.
Changes in size, shape, or symmetry.
Skin dimpling, redness, or puckering.
Nipple changes or discharge.

Remember

most changes are not cancer – but they’re always worth checking. If something feels different or new, reach out; we’ll help you decide what’s next.

Need a refresher?

At your next screening, we can guide you through the technique – so you’ll feel confident doing your own checks at home.

How to do a breast self-exam

Step 1 : Look

Stand or sit in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms relaxed at your sides.

Look for changes in the shape, size or symmetry of your breasts, or any skin dimpling, redness, swelling or nipple changes.

Raise your arms above your head and check again – sometimes changes are easier to see from this angle.

Step 2: Feel - standing or sitting

Raise the arm of the breast you are examining behind your head and with the opposite hand feel with the the pads of your three middle fingers to gently move in small, circular motions around your entire breast – from your collarbone down to your ribs, and from your armpit to your cleavage.

Use light, medium and firm pressure so you can feel the tissue at different depths.

Many women find it easiest to do this in the shower when the skin is warm and slippery.

Step 3: Feel - lying down

Lie on your back with one arm raised behind your head.

With your other hand, use the same circular motion pattern to check the whole breast and the armpit area.

Remember

Self-exams don’t replace mammograms – they complement them.

They’re simply one more way to stay in rhythm with your breast wellness.

Sunninghill rooms are temporarily closed for renovations. Click here for details.

Monthly breast
self-exams

Doing regular self-checks helps you stay familiar with what’s normal for you, so you can notice small changes early.

you’re learning what’s

normal

for you.

You’re not looking for trouble

- you’re learning what’s normal for you.

Why it matters

How often to do it

What to look and feel for

Remember

Need a refresher?

How to do a breast self-exam

Step 1 : Look

Step 2: Feel - standing or sitting

Step 3: Feel - lying down

Remember

Got questions?

Monthly breast self-exams

Doing regular self-checks helps you stay familiar with what’s normal for you, so you can notice small changes early.

you’re learning what’s

normal

for you.

You’re not looking for trouble

- you’re learning what’s normal for you.

Why it matters

How often to do it

What to look and feel for

Remember

Need a refresher?

How to do a breast self-exam

Step 1 : Look

Step 2: Feel - standing or sitting

Step 3: Feel - lying down

Remember

Got questions?

Our Sunninghill rooms are temporarily closed for renovations as we create a better space for your care.

Monthly breast
self-exams