How often should I do a breast self-exam (BSE)?

By NBCF team

Last updated on Mar 3, 2026

Medically reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

by: Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform a breast self-exam once a month. During the self-exam, look for any changes in breast tissue, such as changes in size, a new or persistent breast lump, dimpling or puckering of the breast, inversion of the nipple, redness or scaliness of the breast skin, redness or scaliness of the nipple/areola area, or discharge from the nipple.

If you discover a persistent lump in your breast or any changes, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. Though most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), all lumps, abnormalities, or other breast changes require evaluation by a healthcare professional.

Women should perform their breast self-exam 7-10 days after their menstrual period starts, which is also when their breasts are the least tender and lumpy. If a woman is no longer menstruating, she should select the same day of the month (for example, the first day of the month) and mark it on the calendar as a reminder to perform this self-exam. As you perform the exam, look for any changes from last month’s exam to this month’s exam.

All women should know the usual look and feel of their own breasts. This is called breast self-awareness. If you have trouble remembering what your breasts normally look and feel like, draw a diagram showing where the lumps, bumps, grooves, and other findings are felt, as a reminder from month to month.