Breast health today focuses on individualized screening, clinical assessment as needed, and breast self-awareness rather than strict monthly self-exams. Mammography (including digital and tomosynthesis) is the primary screening tool; women at higher risk may need earlier or additional imaging such as MRI. Clinical breast exam recommendations vary by organization. Learn the visual and palpation techniques to recognize changes and report anything new or persistent to your clinician.

Why breast health matters

Breast cancer remains a common diagnosis among women. Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes. A practical breast health plan combines screening imaging when indicated, clinical assessment by a clinician, and regular self-awareness at home.

Screening mammography and imaging

Mammography uses low-dose X-rays to look for abnormalities. Many centers now use digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis, which can improve detection in some women. How and when to start screening depends on individual risk and guideline source. Major U.S. organizations generally recommend routine screening begin sometime between ages 40 and 50, with either annual or biennial frequency; decisions for women in their 40s should be individualized and discussed with a clinician. Women at higher risk (for example, known harmful genetic variants or a strong family history) may need earlier and more intensive screening, sometimes including MRI in addition to mammography.

Clinical breast exams

A clinical breast exam is a physical exam performed by a trained clinician. Recommendations vary: some organizations offer periodic clinical exams as part of routine care, while others find insufficient evidence to recommend routine clinician exams for average-risk women. Discuss with your clinician whether periodic clinical breast exams make sense for you based on age, risk factors, and access to screening. 1

Breast self-awareness (rather than strict monthly self-exams)

Health authorities have moved away from requiring a fixed monthly self-examination routine. Instead, they emphasize breast self-awareness: know how your breasts normally look and feel and report new changes promptly.

Simple self-checks you can do:

  • Visual check: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and hands on hips, then raise your arms. Look for changes in shape, dimpling, puckering, nipple inversion, or skin texture changes.
  • Palpation: Use the pads of your fingers to feel the entire breast and armpit area. Two common palpation patterns are the circular method (small overlapping circles) and the vertical strip or grid method (moving up and down across the breast). Check both breasts the same way.
  • Timing: If you menstruate, perform self-checks about one week after your period, when breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender.
Include the area above the collarbone and the underarm (axilla) to feel for enlarged lymph nodes. Most lumps are benign, but new or persistent changes should prompt a clinical visit.

When to see a clinician

Contact your clinician if you notice a new lump, skin changes, nipple discharge not associated with breastfeeding, persistent breast pain, or enlarged lymph nodes. Your clinician can arrange diagnostic imaging (diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) and any needed biopsies.

Personalize your plan

Work with your clinician to create a screening and exam plan based on your age, medical history, family history, and preferences. For women at higher risk, recommendations commonly include earlier and/or additional imaging; for average-risk women, timing and frequency vary by guideline. 2
  1. Confirm current USPSTF, American Cancer Society, and American College of Radiology recommendations on ages and frequency for routine mammography screening (as of 2025).
  2. Verify guideline positions on the value of routine clinical breast exams for average-risk women.
  3. Confirm criteria (lifetime risk percentage) and recommendations for adding MRI screening for high-risk women.

FAQs about Breast Health

At what age should I start getting mammograms?
Guidelines vary. Many U.S. organizations recommend starting routine screening sometime between ages 40 and 50, with either annual or biennial frequency; decisions for women in their 40s are often individualized based on personal risk. Discuss timing with your clinician.
Should I still do monthly breast self‑exams?
Rather than strict monthly exams, experts now recommend breast self-awareness: know how your breasts normally look and feel and promptly report new changes. If you prefer scheduled self-checks, choose a consistent monthly time (for example, one week after menses).
Do clinicians still perform breast exams?
Some clinicians include clinical breast exams during routine visits, but recommendations vary. Talk with your clinician about whether periodic clinical exams are appropriate for you based on your risk profile.
What counts as a concerning change?
New lumps, persistent pain, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple inversion or unusual discharge, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or above the collarbone warrant prompt medical evaluation.
What if I have a family history or a known genetic mutation?
Women with strong family histories or known high-risk genetic variants typically follow a more intensive screening schedule that may start earlier and include MRI. Work with a specialist or genetic counselor to develop a plan.

News about Breast Health

New AI model can predict 5-year breast cancer risk - DW [Visit Site | Read More]

Nicotine-style patch which connects to smartphone could detect breast cancer before doctors, say Brit scientists - The Sun [Visit Site | Read More]

Discussing breast density after mammograms may cause unneeded anxiety, study finds - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]

Davina McCall reveals breast cancer surgery - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

Duke Health researchers announces breakthrough in breast cancer vaccine trial - ABC11 [Visit Site | Read More]

It pays to support women’s health in the workplace | Letter - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]

Davina McCall reveals she has undergone surgery for breast cancer - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]