Clinical Breast Exam

The clinical breast examination is an important piece of our recommended three-pronged approach to the early detection of breast cancer.

What is a clinical breast exam?

During this medical evaluation, a health professional performs a thorough physical examination of your chest tissue. They will carefully inspect your breasts and the surrounding area for any irregularities, much as you do when completing your own monthly self-exam.

Who Should Receive a Clinical Breast Exam, and When?

Females should receive a clinical breast exam (CBE) at least once a year, by age 19. Most gynecologists will include this check-up as part of your annual “well woman” visit. Most males will not receive a CBE during their annual wellness visit, highlighting the need for them to perform monthly self-exam.

The Maurer Foundation recommends that females over forty schedule their clinical breast exam and their annual mammogram six months apart. This ensures that you will be assessed by a health care professional twice a year.

Additionally, anytime you notice irregularities during your monthly self-exam, schedule a clinical breast exam to follow up.

How Should You Prepare for a Clinical Breast Exam?

The only thing you need to do (other than showing up, of course) is keep your health professional informed of the state of your breasts. Let them know before the exam:
• If you have noticed any changes in your chest
• If you might be pregnant or are breast-feeding
• If you have breast implants
• If you are experiencing any breast pain or discomfort
• If you have detected any irregularities during your own self-exams

How is a Clinical Breast Exam Administered?

You can expect to privately undress and will likely wear a gown that opens in the front. After talking briefly about your medical history and discussing any questions, the health professional will methodically apply pressure and feel around your breast, underarm, and chest area for any possible lumps, dense breast tissue, signs of infection, or any other irregularities.

Your health care provider should examine you both lying down and sitting up, since the breasts look and feel entirely different in each position. The doctor may ask you to lean forward, raise your arms above your head, or move in different ways to ensure they are performing the most accurate exam.

Tips for Your Office Visit

The American College of Radiology recommend that all females discuss their risk factors with their healthcare providers beginning no later than age 25. This is particularly important for those who are Black, Jewish and of another minority who may be more likely to have genetic mutations associated with breast cancer and/or develop aggressive breast cancers.

This is also the perfect time to ask your health care provider about your own breast self-exam habits, and make sure you are using the proper techniques every month. After all, your clinician should be your primary ally in taking charge of your health!