Breast Self-Exam
Breast self-exam (BSE) is a step-by-step approach a woman can use to look at and feel her breasts to check for anything abnormal.
Breast self-exam isn’t recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer. Studies have shown breast self-exam doesn’t offer the early detection and survival benefits of other screening tests [65].
A meta-analysis combined the results of the 2 largest randomized controlled trials on breast self-exam. It compared women who did routine breast self-exam to those who didn’t and found [65]:
- No difference in breast cancer survival
- Women who did breast self-exam had more false positive results, which led to nearly twice as many breast biopsies with negative results (no cancer found)
Know what’s normal for you
Although breast self-exam isn’t recommended for breast cancer screening, it’s important to know the way your breasts normally look and feel. This may help you notice a change.
Learn about the warning signs of breast cancer.
Learn about what to do if you find a breast lump.
Learn about breast cancer screening.
Learn about Susan G. Komen®’s Breast Self-Awareness Messages.
Updated 03/17/25
This content is regularly reviewed by an expert panel including researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.
