Victoria's Better Health Channel keeps its breast awareness advice refreshingly simple: be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts, know what is normal for you, and remember there is no right or wrong way to check. It also suggests getting to know how your breasts feel at different times of the month.
So is there a best time of the cycle to do a breast self-exam? These Australian sources put the focus on knowing your normal rather than on a date. Here is how to fit that around your period.
Quick answer: The Better Health Channel and Jean Hailes do not name one best day for a breast self-exam. They focus on breast awareness: knowing how your breasts look and feel across the month and seeing a GP about anything new. If you want a fixed routine, US guidance suggests about 3 to 5 days after your period starts.
When in my cycle should I check my breasts?
Any time works, as long as you know how your breasts change over the month. Jean Hailes, in its article on breast self-checks, says it is common for breasts to become tender and lumpy at certain times in the cycle. Its PMS guidance places breast swelling and tenderness in the week or two before a period, usually easing once bleeding begins.
If you like a set point, the US National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus suggests about 3 to 5 days after your period starts, when breasts are usually less tender and lumpy.
What does breast awareness look like day to day?
It can be part of routines you already have. The Better Health Channel says you might find it easiest in the shower or bath, lying in bed or getting dressed. Use a mirror to learn the usual look and shape of your breasts, and feel everything from your collarbone to under your breasts and into your armpit.
How do I do a breast self-check?
Jean Hailes breaks it into looking and feeling:
- Look. In a mirror, check your nipples, areolas and the skin, size and shape of each breast. Raise your arms behind your head and look again, including your underarms.
- Feel. With the pads of your fingers and firm pressure, move in a circular motion through each quarter of the breast, from the collarbone to below the bra line and into the armpit. Repeat on the other side.
For more on what happens through each phase, see our guide to understanding your menstrual cycle.
Do breasts feel different after menopause?
Yes. Jean Hailes says that after menopause breasts have usually become completely soft because of changes in the tissue, which can make normal lumps more noticeable.
When to see a GP
Jean Hailes says anything new or unusual for you is worth a trip to your GP. The Better Health Channel lists:
- a lump or lumps in your breast or armpit;
- changes in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling, puckering or redness;
- a nipple pointing in when it used to point out, or unusual discharge;
- an area that feels different from the rest;
- unusual pain.
Frequently asked questions
Who should have a screening mammogram in Australia?
BreastScreen Australia invites all women aged 50 to 74 for a free screening mammogram every 2 years, according to Jean Hailes. The Better Health Channel notes that breast screening is for women and for trans and gender diverse people. You may need screening earlier or more often if your risk is higher.
Is there a right way to check my breasts?
No single method is required. The Better Health Channel says there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. What matters is getting familiar with how they usually look and feel, using a mirror and your hands, so you can spot a change and take it to your GP.
How often should I check my breasts?
Jean Hailes does not set a schedule. It recommends getting to know your breasts by looking at and feeling them regularly, and says you can do it any time, such as in the shower or while dressing. Checking at different points in the month helps you learn how your breasts change.
Is it normal for breasts to be tender and lumpy before a period?
Yes, it is common. Jean Hailes says breasts often become tender and lumpy at certain times in the cycle, and lists breast swelling and tenderness as a PMS symptom. If you find a lump or change that is new or unusual for you, though, book in with your GP.
Keeping an eye on your cycle for your monthly breast check? The Lunette period cup has measuring lines inside, so you can also note roughly how much you collect. Our period cup size guide compares Size 1 and Size 2 to help you choose a menstrual cup.
This information is general in nature and is not medical advice; your GP or BreastScreen service can help with your personal situation.
