Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives

This is the perfect time to speak with your doctor about any unusual changes you may have noticed in your breasts. If you suspect something isn’t right, brushing it aside will only add to your stress level. Remember, you know your health and body best, so don’t be afraid to speak up about something that doesn’t look or feel normal.

During a clinical breast exam, your healthcare provider will perform a thorough check of your breasts. You may be asked to raise your arms over your head, let them hang by your sides, or press your hands against your hips.

Your healthcare provider will look for differences in size or shape between your breasts. The skin of your breasts is checked for a rash, dimpling, or other abnormal signs. Your nipples may be squeezed to check for fluid.

Using the pads of the fingers to feel for lumps, your health care provider checks your entire breast, underarm, and collarbone area. A lump is generally the size of a pea before anyone can feel it. The exam is done on one side and then the other. Your doctor checks the lymph nodes near the breast to see if they are enlarged.

If a lump has been detected, your doctor will feel its size, shape, and texture. He or she will also check to see if the lump moves easily. Benign (non-cancerous) lumps often feel different from cancerous ones. Lumps that are soft, smooth, round, and movable are likely to be benign. A hard, oddly shaped lump that feels firmly attached within the breast is more likely to be cancer, but further tests need to be done before a diagnosis can be made.