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Clinical Breast Examination
A clinical breast examination (CBE) is an examination of your breasts by a health care professional, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse or doctor’s assistant. For this examination, you undress from the waist up. The health care professional will first look at your breasts for changes in size or shape. Then, using the pads of the fingers, the examiner will gently feel (palpate) your breasts.

Special attention will be given to the shape and texture of the breasts, location of any lumps, and whether such lumps are attached to the skin or to deeper tissues. The area under both arms will also be examined.

During the CBE is a good time for the health care professional to teach breast self-examination to the woman who does not already know how to examine her breasts. Ask your doctor or nurse to teach you and watch your technique.

If you regularly examine your own breasts, you will probably notice changes. The best time for breast self examination (BSE) is about a week after your period ends, when your breasts are not tender or swollen. If you are not having regular periods, do BSE on the same day every month.

• Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head.
  
  
• Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse.
  
  
• Move around the breast in an up and down line, a circular, or a wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breasts feel from month to month.
  
  
• Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.)
  
  
• Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You might want to do this part of the BSE while you are standing in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.
  
  
• For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month.
  
  
• If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.

The ACS Recommends the Following Guidelines from Breast Cancer Detection Age Breast
Self-Examination

Age Breast Self-Examination
20-40 Once a month, seven to ten days after your period starts.
40-50 Once a month, seven to ten days after your period starts.
50+ Postmenopausal women: the same day each month

 

Age Professional or Clinical Examination
20-40 Every one to three years
40-50 Every year
50+ Every yearAge

Mammography
35-40 Baseline mammogram
40-50 Every 1-2 years
50+ Every year