
How, When, and Why to Perform Breast Self-Exams Between Mammograms

Every October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is still one of the most common cancers among women, and each year, we honor those who experience it and celebrate advancements in treatment. Early detection is the best way to prevent breast cancer — and while mammograms are essential, being familiar with your body makes a big difference, too.
OB-GYN Associates of Marietta specializes in well-woman exams in Marietta and Woodstock, Georgia. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re emphasizing the importance of proactive care with breast self-exams, and here’s what you should know.
The basics of a breast self-exam
A breast self-exam is something you do at home. It involves looking at and feeling your breast tissue, so you can learn to recognize what’s normal for your body. Specific, highly structured self-exams aren’t necessary for everyone, but breast self-awareness is important.
Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel helps you notice changes sooner, so you can schedule a professional exam. When you do a breast self-exam, make note of changes like new lumps, skin texture shifts, or any asymmetry between breasts.
While self-exams alone aren’t enough to diagnose breast cancer, they’re one of the best things you can do at home to lower your risk. Catching changes early, whether by self-awareness or during a well-woman exam, can lead to less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
How to perform a monthly breast check-in
We usually recommend checking your breasts about once a month, even after you’ve started getting routine mammogram screenings. It doesn’t have to be a long, complicated process — in fact, here’s a simple approach designed to help you get more familiar with your body.
Start with a visual check. Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed, then raise them up. Look for skin dimpling, changes in shape, nipple inversion, or redness in your breasts.
Next, do a physical check. You can be standing or lying down, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. Use the pads of your fingers in a gentle, circular motion to feel each breast and the surrounding area.
The more you do breast self-exams, the more awareness you’ll develop about your body. You’ll learn what’s normal — for example, clumps from fibrocystic tissue are common — and it will be easier to detect any changes that warrant a professional exam.
Always try to do your breast check-ins around the same time each month. If you still have a period, do your exam after it ends. After menopause, try doing it on the same calendar date every month. Remember that this practice of self-awareness complements mammograms and clinical exams, but it does not replace them.
Timing matters: breast self-exams between mammograms
For average-risk women, mammogram guidelines typically suggest screening every year or every other year starting around age 40. Having a self-awareness routine in between these screenings can help you remain alert to changes that imaging might not yet detect.
If you feel anything unusual in your breast or armpit area, like a new lump, persistent skin change, or nipple discharge, don’t wait for your next mammogram. Contact your provider promptly and report your concerns.
Our team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help. We combine physical examinations (including breast checks when appropriate) with personalized preventive screenings, immunizations, lifestyle counseling, and discussions tailored to your needs.
We can provide expert evaluation of any observed changes you’ve noted during breast self-exams, and we can help you make informed decisions on mammogram frequency or additional imaging if you have higher risk factors.
During this Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and every month — your voice and attention to your body matter. Pairing regular mammograms with thoughtful self-awareness and annual well-woman exams is a proactive path to early detection and long-term well-being. Not sure where to start? Book an appointment with us to get started.
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