Which Breast Self Exam Technique Do You Follow

A student doctor friend of mine recently did a practice breast exam on me. She did it using following three methods:

1. Circle Method: Starting from outer edge of the breast then circling inward towards the nipple.

2. Vertical Method: Starting from top of the breast near collar bone and then going down and then up, and then down, this way going across the breast until underarm

3. Spokes Method: Starring from areola each time and moving outwards.

I use Circle method for my self exam. Honestly I didn't even know about the other two.

What about the other ladies, which method do you use?

Did you know that other methods exist too?

When my wife does self breast exams she's does the vertical method.

I prefer to do the circular “spiral” method. I like to start out in the armpit and then slowly work my way in to the areola and nipple, going in a circular motion. I guess to me, this seems most natural. I do it both with the woman sitting up with her hand behind her head and then laying down.

I like to mix my breast exams so first I’ll go around my breast in a circular motion but after then I will go vertically to see if I missed anything in the deep tissue

I like to mix my breast exams so first I’ll go around my breast in a circular motion but after then I will go vertically to see if I missed anything in the deep tissue

That's good idea. I will try this from my next breast exam. I was told by the student Dr that I am missing spots. Though that was not the case but what harm in mixing two techniques to get better coverage.

I switch it up between 1 and 2. Just did mine yesterday and did method #1

I've always done the circle method when I examine a woman's breasts.

My wife uses the circle method for her self exams, as does the PA that examines her.

When we have play exams I use the circle method as well.

I've always done the circle -- it's what's on the shower cards, after all -- but the spokes method seems like a smart protocol. Perhaps I'll switch it up.