Getting your first breast exam can feel nerve-wracking, but it’s an important part of taking care of your health. Here’s an overview of what to expect so you can feel prepared.
Why get a breast exam?
Regular breast exams are recommended for all women starting in their 20s. Here are some of the key reasons to get a breast exam:
- Screen for breast cancer – Breast exams allow doctors to look for early signs of breast cancer. Catching cancer early greatly improves treatment success.
- Establish a baseline – Having a first exam provides a baseline for your doctor to refer back to at future exams. It allows them to better identify any changes or abnormalities.
- Promote breast health – Exams are an opportunity to discuss breast health with your doctor, including topics like self-exam techniques, lifestyle factors, and family history.
- Address concerns – If you have any specific concerns about your breasts, an exam gives your doctor a chance to understand your issues and provide solutions.
How often should I get a breast exam?
The recommendations for breast exam frequency vary by age:
- 20s – Exam every 3 years
- 30s – Exam every year
- 40s+ – Exam every year
Some doctors may recommend annual exams starting even earlier than age 30 if you have risk factors like family history of breast cancer. Discuss with your doctor when to start exams and how often to have them based on your individual profile.
Types of breast exams
There are two main types of breast exams:
Clinical breast exam
In a clinical breast exam, your doctor will physically examine your breasts and underarms for any abnormalities. They will:
- Look at the shape, size, and pigmentation of your breasts
- Feel for any lumps, thickening, or changes in texture
- Check if your skin is dimpling or retracting
- Examine lymph nodes under your arms for swelling
This manual exam complements your own self-exams between doctor visits.
Breast imaging
Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may also recommend breast imaging in addition to the manual exam. Options include:
- Mammogram – An x-ray of the breast tissue. Recommended annually starting between ages 40-45.
- Breast ultrasound – Uses sound waves to create an image of the breast tissue. May be used to get a closer look if a lump is found.
- Breast MRI – A magnetic resonance imaging scan that can detect tumors. Usually only done if at high-risk.
Preparing for your first breast exam
Here are some tips to get ready for your first breast exam:
Schedule it
Call your doctor’s office to schedule an appointment. Let them know it is your first breast exam. They may allot more time to thoroughly explain the process.
Mark your periods
Track your periods for a full cycle leading up to the exam. Your doctor will ask when your last period was and knowing the dates can help detect any issues.
Don’t schedule during your period
Try to avoid booking the exam during your period. Breast tissue can become tender and lumpy which can interfere with the exam.
Don’t apply lotions or powder
Come to your appointment with a clean, dry chest. Lotions, powders, and deodorant can impact the feel of the tissue.
Bring your questions
Make a list of any questions you have about what to expect. Don’t be shy about asking your doctor to explain anything you’re unsure about.
Know your family history
Your doctor will ask if any family members have had breast cancer. Try to learn about cancers on both your mother’s and father’s sides.
What to expect during the exam
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during a typical breast exam appointment:
- Discussion – The doctor will start by asking about any breast changes or concerns you’ve noticed. They’ll also ask about risk factors like family history.
- Visual exam – You’ll undress from the waist up. The doctor will look at your breasts for any changes in size or shape, skin irritation, or discharge.
- Manual exam – The doctor will palpate all areas of your breast tissue and underarms for lumps. They may apply pressure and use a circular motion.
- Imaging (if needed) – If any areas of concern are found, the doctor may order a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI for additional testing.
- Discussion – The doctor will explain their findings and address any questions you have about the exam or your breast health.
Tips for the exam
- Relax – It’s normal to feel nervous. Take some deep breaths to stay calm.
- Speak up – Tell the doctor immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort.
- Ask questions – Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on anything during the exam.
- Be thorough – Make sure the doctor examines all areas of your breasts during the manual exam.
Understanding exam results
After your breast exam, the doctor will explain their findings. Here’s how results are typically categorized:
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Negative | No abnormalities found |
| Benign finding | A cyst, calcification, or other non-cancerous change found |
| Inconclusive | An area needs further testing to determine if it’s concerning |
| Suspicious | An area appears abnormal and should be biopsied |
| Highly suggestive of malignancy | An area has a high probability of being cancerous |
Try not to worry if you have a benign or inconclusive finding. Your doctor will determine any needed follow-up steps.
Next steps after your exam
Based on your breast exam results, your doctor may recommend the following next steps:
- Repeat exam – If your breasts are particularly lumpy or fibrous, a follow-up exam in 2-3 months may be needed.
- Additional imaging – A suspicious finding may require a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI for further evaluation.
- Biopsy – A needle or surgical biopsy removes a small sample of breast tissue to test for cancer.
- Specialist referral – Your primary doctor may refer you to a breast specialist like a surgeon or oncologist.
Be sure to follow through on any next steps your doctor advises. Early detection and prompt treatment provide the best outcomes for breast cancer.
What to expect after your first exam
Give yourself time to process after your first breast exam. Here’s what to expect:
- Soreness – Your breasts may be tender for a day or two, especially if the exam was very thorough.
- Bruising – Minor bruising is possible from the applied pressure. It should fade within a week or two.
- Lingering anxiety – It’s normal to still feel a bit anxious while waiting on test results. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
- Empowerment – Having your first exam can make you feel ownership over your breast health. You’re taking important steps for early detection.
The more exams you get, the more routine they will become. But always remember your first one as an important milestone in caring for your breasts.
How to conduct a self-breast exam
Self-exams between doctor visits are crucial for all women. Here are some tips for performing thorough self-exams:
When to do it
- Post-period – Examine your breasts 1-2 weeks after your period starts when tissue is less tender.
- Same time each month – Pick a consistent day like the 10th of the month for easy remembering.
- Before your exam – Perform your self-exam shortly before your next clinical breast exam.
Steps
- Visually inspect your breasts and nipples in the mirror for any changes.
- Raise one arm. Use your opposite hand to palpate your breast and underarm in a circular motion.
- Squeeze each nipple gently to check for discharge.
- Lie down to examine your breasts lying flat, again with a circular palpating motion.
- Examine both breasts following the same steps.
What to look for
- New lumps, thickening, or asymmetry
- Changes in skin texture or color
- Nipple discharge
- Redness, scaliness, or swelling
- Nipple retraction
See your doctor promptly if you notice anything unusual for you. Being familiar with your breast landscape is key for identifying concerning changes.
Questions to ask your doctor
Your breast exam is the perfect time to engage your doctor on topics related to your breast health. Here are important questions to ask at your visit:
- How often should I get a breast exam based on my risk factors?
- When should I start regular mammogram screening?
- What breast changes should I report to you right away?
- What lifestyle factors or medications can impact my breast cancer risk?
- Do my family history or genetic factors put me at increased risk?
- Can you show me how to conduct a thorough self-exam?
- If I notice a lump, how quickly do I need to make an appointment?
Don’t be embarrassed about asking anything on your mind. Your doctor is there to educate you about breast health.
Conclusion
Your first breast exam is a big step in taking control of your health. Knowing what to expect can help you feel empowered and at ease. With regular exams and self-exams, you are being proactive about early detection and prevention. Always communicate openly with your doctor and report any concerns promptly. Making breast health a priority now will benefit you for life.