Your Body, Your Guide: The Power of Breast Self-Exams

When it comes to taking care of ourselves, sometimes the simplest habits can have the biggest impact. One of those is the breast self-exam, getting to know your own body.

Get to Know Your Normal

Here’s the thing: no two women’s breasts feel exactly alike. What’s “normal” for you may be totally different for someone else. Black women are more likely to have dense breast tissue, which can feel naturally fibrous (lumpy or firm). By regularly checking in with yourself, you’ll learn what feels typical for your body. That way, if something changes, a new lump, pain, a difference in texture, or a shift in skin appearance, you’ll notice it sooner.

Why It Matters

We know that early detection can save lives. While practicing self-awareness doesn’t replace mammograms or doctor visits, it can be the first clue that something needs a closer look. In fact, many women have been the first to spot their own breast changes, simply because they were paying attention.

Think of It as a Check-In With Yourself

Ultimately the goal is to stay connected to your body. Just like journaling, meditating, or tracking your cycle, it’s another way of saying: “I’m paying attention to me.” And you deserve that kind of care.

You’re Not in This Alone

If you’re unsure about what you’re feeling or what to look for, that’s okay. Healthcare providers can support you. Breast self-exams are one piece of the bigger picture in breast health, but it’s an important way to put yourself in the driver’s seat.

By: Lorielle Jackson