For many years, self breast exam has been one of the pillars of early detection of breast cancer, widely taught and practiced.

More recently, the effectiveness of this strategy in early detection and treatment of breast cancer has been questioned, and debate continues.

Whether the use of self breast exams for screening is ultimately kept or discarded, it is still important for women’s healthcare providers to know how to teach this technique. There may be some women in specific clinical situations who could still benefit from employing self breast exam, even if the general population might not.

This video demonstrates one method for self breast exams.