Performing a Male Breast Exam
Step 1: Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms on your hips to tighten your chest muscles and inspect yourself. Watch for any changes such as dimpling, swelling and areas around the nipple. Raise your arms above your head and continue to examine your breast and arm pit areas.
Step 2: Move around the breast in a circular motion with the fingertips. You can perform this in either an up and down method, a circular or a wedge pattern, but try to be consistent using the same method each time. In addition, check the nipple area for any discharge. Complete on both breast.
Step 3: In addition to standing, you can also examine your breast lying down. To do so, place a pillow under your right shoulder and bend your right arm over your head. Then with your fingertips on your left hand, begin checking by pressing all areas of the breast and armpit. Once completed on the right, move the pillow to under your left shoulder and repeat the same process.
Next Steps if You Identify an Area of Concern
A man who identifies an area of concern from a breast exam should speak with their Primary Care Physician (PCP). If the two agree there is a concern, the PCP can write a prescription for a PINK breast exam.
While breast cancer is much less common among men than women, it can be a big problem because male breast cancer typically goes undetected longer. A self-exam may be the only way a man would know he should seek treatment.
PINK has always offered men breast exams, body ultrasound exams, and DEXA exams.
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