Introduction

For many women, breast health is one of those things that stays quietly in the background — until something feels wrong. A sudden lump, a subtle change, or even a friend's diagnosis can bring a flood of questions and concern. At Always For You Medical Center, we believe that awareness and proactive care are among the most powerful tools you can give yourself. And one of the simplest ways to start? Learning how to perform a proper breast self-exam (BSE).

This isn’t just about spotting cancer early — though that’s certainly part of it. It’s about building a relationship with your body, recognizing what’s normal for you, and knowing when something feels off.

Why Breast Self-Exams Matter — Especially in Korea

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Korean women. According to the Korea Central Cancer Registry, breast cancer rates have steadily increased over the past two decades, especially among women in their 40s and 50s. While national screening programs offer mammograms for women over 40, many early symptoms can go unnoticed between those checkups.

A monthly self-exam can be a bridge — a quiet, private moment that empowers you to take control of your health between clinical visits.

What Breast Self-Exams Can (and Can’t) Do

Let’s be honest: breast self-exams aren’t a replacement for professional imaging or a physician’s evaluation. But they do serve a vital role in:

• Helping you notice subtle changes early

• Creating body awareness so you can communicate clearly with your doctor

• Encouraging preventive habits that support long-term wellness

At Always For You, we often hear from patients who spotted something unusual during a routine self-check. Many of these cases led to early detection — and with it, more treatment options and better outcomes.

When Should You Do a Breast Self-Exam?

The best time is a few days after your period ends, when breast tissue is least likely to be swollen or tender. If you are postmenopausal or have irregular cycles, pick a consistent day each month — like the first day of the month — and stick with it.

Set a quiet, private time aside. Think of it like checking your home’s plumbing or smoke detector — not because you expect something to be wrong, but because you want to stay ahead.

Step-by-Step: How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam

There are three main parts to a proper self-exam: visual check, standing palpation, and lying-down palpation.

1. Look in the Mirror — The Visual Check

Stand topless in front of a well-lit mirror with your arms relaxed at your sides. You're looking for:

• Changes in breast shape, symmetry, or size

• Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness

• Nipple changes: inversion, discharge, or scaliness

• Unusual bulges or swelling (especially near the underarm)

Now, repeat the check with your arms raised overhead, then with hands pressed into your hips while tightening your chest muscles. These postures can reveal subtle skin or contour changes not visible when relaxed.

🟡 What’s normal? It’s common for one breast to be slightly larger or for nipples to face slightly different directions. What matters is noticing new or evolving differences.

2. Use Your Fingers — Standing Palpation

This step is easiest in the shower, when your skin is slick and fingers can move smoothly.

• Use the pads of your three middle fingers — not the fingertips.

• Apply light, medium, and firm pressure in each spot.

• Move in a circular motion, about the size of a coin.

You can use one of these patterns:

• Circular method: starting at the nipple and working outward in larger circles

• Vertical strip method: moving up and down across the breast, like mowing a lawn

Be sure to cover:

• Entire breast tissue from collarbone to under the breast

• Side of the breast toward your underarm (don’t skip this — many lymph nodes are here)

Repeat on the other side.

3. Lie Down — Deeper Palpation

Lying down spreads the breast tissue more evenly, especially for women with larger or denser breasts.

• Lie on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.

• Place your right arm behind your head.

• With your left hand, use the same circular motion to examine the right breast.

Switch sides and repeat.

Don’t forget to check the nipple area, gently squeezing to check for any discharge.

What Should You Feel?

Here’s the tricky part — breast tissue is naturally lumpy. Many women worry they’re feeling something abnormal when it’s actually just normal glandular tissue.

Generally, you’re looking for:

• A new lump that feels distinct from the surrounding tissue

• A lump that’s firm, fixed, and painless

• Thickened tissue, especially if it feels different from the other breast

• Changes in the skin (dimpling, redness, or warmth)

If you feel a lump, don’t panic. Many are benign (non-cancerous), especially in younger women. But it’s still important to get it checked — ideally at a center that combines internal medicine and diagnostic imaging, like Always For You Medical Center.

What to Do If You Notice Something Unusual

Early action is better than anxious waiting. Contact a trusted clinic and explain what you’ve noticed. You may be scheduled for:

• A clinical breast exam

• Ultrasound imaging (often more effective than mammograms in women with dense breast tissue)

• A mammogram, depending on your age and history

• Possibly, a biopsy if something suspicious is found

At Always For You, our team includes former university hospital department heads who’ve guided countless women through this exact process. We offer same-day consultations, on-site imaging, and comprehensive follow-up — all in a calm, private setting where your concerns are taken seriously.

Final Thoughts: Self-Exams as a Habit of Self-Respect

Performing a breast self-exam isn’t just a medical task. It’s a quiet form of self-respect — a moment to connect with your body, tune in, and honor your health.

Many women delay seeking help out of fear, embarrassment, or uncertainty. But remember: early detection doesn’t just save lives — it gives you options, time, and peace of mind.

If you’re unsure about what you’ve found — or if you simply want a professional opinion — you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Consider booking a checkup at a multidisciplinary center like Always For You Medical Center, where your breast health is treated with both precision and compassion.