The 5-minute self-exam that doctors say people still get wrong for breast cancer
Breast cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer among Indian women. According to a report, in 2025, it was estimated that 2,32,832 breast cancer patients were reported in India, with the number being projected to increase by 5.6 percent every year. Thus, the message is clear that awareness cannot stop just by knowing that a lump in the breast may be a sign of trouble. Women must also know what they are actually searching for while examining their breast.
The breast self-examination takes very few minutes, yet most women do this incorrectly. Some women only examine the area close to the nipple; some press their fingers very harshly, while others think that doing the examination means everything is alright. However, the ultimate objective of self-examination is much clearer: that is, to detect changes in the breast by being aware of its normal state.
Start with the right techniqueOne of the most common mistakes is using the fingertips to search for a lump. Fingertips can press sharply into normal breast tissue and make it feel more irregular than it is. The pads of the three middle fingers are better suited for the examination. Small, overlapping circular movements should be used rather than randomly pressing different areas.
Pressure matters too. Light pressure helps assess tissue close to the skin, moderate pressure examines deeper tissue and firmer pressure reaches tissue closer to the chest wall. Moving across the breast in a consistent pattern helps ensure that no area is missed.
Timing can also help in making the examination less complicated. For women who have their menstrual period, it is normal for their breast tissue to become enlarged and tender during their period. It would be easier to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue if it is examined one week after the onset of the period.
Do not stop at the breastAnother very common mistake is when one only checks the middle of the breasts or the area near the nipples. The breast tissue stretches up to the collarbone and into the armpit, so it should not be left out.
The examination can start by standing in front of a mirror, with arms hanging loosely and then lifted. Note changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, swelling, discolouration, or nipple retraction. Palpation is carried out while lying down, which will allow for spreading out of the breast tissue on the chest wall. The underarm area needs to be examined for any unusual lump or swelling as well.
Know what a self-exam cannot doA normal self-examination does not rule out breast cancer. Some abnormalities may be too small to feel, while others may show up as changes rather than a distinct lump.
Any recent or ongoing lump, bloody discharge from the nipple, unexpected change in breast shape, skin thickening, or retraction of the nipple should be reported to medical professionals. Depending on the findings of a particular clinical examination, further evaluation may consist of ultrasound, mammography, and other investigations.
The importance of conducting a self-examination for five minutes is to identify what is different and to do something about it immediately. It must promote medical checkups and not substitute for them.
Dr. Jitin Yadav, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, Regency Health Kanpur
The breast self-examination takes very few minutes, yet most women do this incorrectly. Some women only examine the area close to the nipple; some press their fingers very harshly, while others think that doing the examination means everything is alright. However, the ultimate objective of self-examination is much clearer: that is, to detect changes in the breast by being aware of its normal state.
Start with the right techniqueOne of the most common mistakes is using the fingertips to search for a lump. Fingertips can press sharply into normal breast tissue and make it feel more irregular than it is. The pads of the three middle fingers are better suited for the examination. Small, overlapping circular movements should be used rather than randomly pressing different areas.
Pressure matters too. Light pressure helps assess tissue close to the skin, moderate pressure examines deeper tissue and firmer pressure reaches tissue closer to the chest wall. Moving across the breast in a consistent pattern helps ensure that no area is missed.
Timing can also help in making the examination less complicated. For women who have their menstrual period, it is normal for their breast tissue to become enlarged and tender during their period. It would be easier to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue if it is examined one week after the onset of the period.
Do not stop at the breastAnother very common mistake is when one only checks the middle of the breasts or the area near the nipples. The breast tissue stretches up to the collarbone and into the armpit, so it should not be left out.
The examination can start by standing in front of a mirror, with arms hanging loosely and then lifted. Note changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, swelling, discolouration, or nipple retraction. Palpation is carried out while lying down, which will allow for spreading out of the breast tissue on the chest wall. The underarm area needs to be examined for any unusual lump or swelling as well.
Know what a self-exam cannot doA normal self-examination does not rule out breast cancer. Some abnormalities may be too small to feel, while others may show up as changes rather than a distinct lump.
Any recent or ongoing lump, bloody discharge from the nipple, unexpected change in breast shape, skin thickening, or retraction of the nipple should be reported to medical professionals. Depending on the findings of a particular clinical examination, further evaluation may consist of ultrasound, mammography, and other investigations.
The importance of conducting a self-examination for five minutes is to identify what is different and to do something about it immediately. It must promote medical checkups and not substitute for them.
Dr. Jitin Yadav, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, Regency Health Kanpur
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