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Breast self-examination guide
Getting to know your body is one of the most important steps in spotting early changes. By checking your breasts regularly, you take control of your breast health and increase the chance of detecting early signs of breast cancer. This simple guide shows you, step by step, how to do a self-examination at home.
Why is self-examination important?
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women. In 2024, 8,803 women in Sweden were diagnosed, but when caught early, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. Nearly nine out of ten women diagnosed live for at least ten years afterwards. A self-examination only takes a few minutes, but it can make a real difference.
Source: Cancerfonden, based on figures from Socialstyrelsen, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare (2024 data).
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Look in the mirror
Stand in front of the mirror and raise your arms above your head. Take a moment to simply look, do your breasts look the way they usually do? Is the shape, skin and nipples as usual?
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Feel your breasts
Raise one arm and feel your breast with the other hand, using soft, circular movements. Don't forget to check up towards the collarbone and into the armpit. Do you notice anything unusual, a lump or an area of firmness?
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Lie down and feel
Lie down with one arm behind your head and repeat the same circular movements with the other hand. Lying down spreads the breast tissue out, making it easier to feel through the whole breast.
Tip: many people find it easier to check in the shower, when the skin is wet and slippery it's easier to notice any unevenness.
Every pair of breasts is different, and lumps are common, most of them are completely harmless. It's a good idea to check at the same time each month, that way you get to know your breasts and notice more easily if something changes. This works just as well if you have implants, are pregnant or breastfeeding, and men can examine themselves the same way.
We are a Corporate Friend of Cancerfonden in 2026
This year, Swegmark is a Corporate Friend of Cancerfonden, the Swedish Cancer Society. This means we contribute to Swedish cancer research, research that makes a real difference over time. One example is Thomas Lindahl's research on DNA repair, funded by Cancerfonden for many years, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2015. It's the kind of long-term discovery that contributions like these help make possible.
We share this guide so that more people get to know their bodies, catch changes early, and feel confident seeking care when something doesn't feel right.
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Frequently asked questions about self-examination
How often should I check my breasts?
Once a month is a good routine, ideally a few days after your period when breasts are usually less tender. After menopause, you can instead pick a fixed date each month, for example the first.
What should I look for?
Watch for lumps or areas of firmness, changes in size or shape, changes in the skin, dimpling, and changes to the nipples. Most changes turn out to be harmless, but anything you're unsure about is worth having a doctor look at.
I noticed something unusual, what should I do?
Contact your healthcare provider for an assessment. Most lumps turn out to be completely harmless, but it's always worth getting checked.
Can men get breast cancer too?
Yes, although it's far less common. Men should also stay aware of changes in breast tissue.
Where can I read more?
You can find more information and support from Cancerfonden and, for readers in Sweden, via 1177.se.
Been through treatment?
If you or someone you know has been through breast cancer treatment, our mastectomy bras are designed to combine comfort and fit during and after treatment.
Feel free to share this guide with someone you care about.