What is a Clinical Breast Exam
A clinical breast exam (CBE) is an examination of your breasts by a qualified healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse or nurse practitioner. Your provider will look for any changes in your breasts, including signs of disease or other conditions. A CBE is usually part of your regular women’s health exam.
Your provider will usually do the CBE when you are lying on your back on the exam table. You may need to change positions so your provider can do a complete exam.
During the CBE, your healthcare provider will press on your breast tissue, look for any skin changes and ask you if you have noticed any changes in your breasts.
Your breasts go through normal changes as you get older and during your monthly cycle. Many breast conditions are are not life-threatening. Clinical breast exams and mammograms can help keep you healthy and catch any problems early. harm early.
Download our brochure on clinical breast exam to share with your doctor. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) Catch Breast Cancer Early.
For Healthcare Professionals
A quality CBE includes:
- Examination of all the breast tissue – in addition to the breast mound, this includes the area up to the collarbone , the armpit area and the nipple .
- A methodical approach. Breast tissue is systematically examined without any areas being missed.
- Pressure, but not pain. The health care provider may apply deep pressure, but the exam should not be painful. The best time for a breast exam is immediately after menstruation. shouldn’t be painful, particularly if it is scheduled with your hormonal cycle in mind.
