Breast Health

What is breast self-awareness?

Breast self-awareness is knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. Your breasts change as you go through different stages of your life. So it’s important to learn what is normal for your breasts. Knowing about your breasts helps you spot any changes in them right away. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes.

Why is breast self-awareness important?

Many experts now say that women should focus on breast self-awareness instead of doing a breast self-examination (BSE). These experts include the American Cancer Society and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Some experts even advise not teaching women to do a BSE. That’s because research hasn’t shown a clear benefit to doing BSEs.

Breast self-awareness is different than a BSE. It isn’t about following a certain method and schedule. It’s about knowing what’s normal for your breasts. That way you can spot even small changes right away. If you see any changes, tell your healthcare provider.

For more information on SBL Women's Health, or to schedule an appointment, call 217-258-4030.

For more information on this topic, visit our Health Library.

Breast Health

• Health Screening Guidelines for Women 50 to 64
• Breast Health: Normal Breast Changes
• Clinical Breast Exam
• Health Screening Guidelines for Women 40 to 49
• Diagnosing Noncancerous (Benign) Breast Conditions
• Understanding Fertility Problems- A Woman’s Evaluation
• Contraception/Birth Control
• Breast Pain (Mastalgia)
• Breast MRI
• Breast Cancer Screening