When it comes to women’s health, early detection is key to increasing your odds of surviving breast cancer. If the disease is caught early, providers can administer treatment before it spreads beyond the breast or intensifies. While both clinical breast exams and at-home self-exams are important, they each serve different purposes. Below, the team at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine in Anchorage, AK, explains the main differences between them.

At-Home Self-Examinations

Once a woman goes through puberty, self-exams should be performed monthly. You know your body best, so it will be easier for you to notice when changes occur or something seems off. At home, women can move their three middle fingers in a circular motion on their opposite underarm, traveling to the center of each breast to feel for lumps or abnormalities. As you do this, determine if anything feels uncomfortable, irritated, or if there are physical changes in your anatomy. If so, visit a doctor immediately for an in-depth check.

Clinical Breast Exams 

During a yearly physical, your provider will likely perform a clinical breast exam. While this checkup may seem similar to what you do at home, it’s administered by an experienced health care professional who knows what to look for. This is especially important for women who aren’t getting mammograms, as the provider may catch something you missed during a self-check. A clinical exam serves as an extra precaution that could save your life.

Breast exams are a vital part of women’s health, whether they’re performed at home or in the care of a trusted provider. If you’re unsure how to perform a self-exam or want to find a doctor in the Anchorage, AK, area who can conduct a clinical breast exam, trust the team at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine. For more than two decades, this family medicine clinic has been helping the community with everything from women’s health exams to pediatric care and travel medicine. To browse a full list of their services online, visit their website or call (907) 344-0200 to set up a breast exam today.