Breast massage has many purposes, from identifying potential lumps and easing sore muscles to improving your breastfeeding experience. Even just 15 minutes of massage may be enough to reap the benefits.

You can perform breast massage on yourself. There are very few risks involved, so you can do it as often as you like.

Here’s more about why you may want to massage your breasts, how to do it, and when you may want to consult a healthcare professional.

Early identification of breast cancer symptoms

According to older data cited by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about 71% of breast cancers in people under age 50 and 50% of cases in people age 50 and older are identified through breast self-exams.

Cancer may present as a hard lump or thickened tissue in the breast. It can also alter the breast’s size or shape.

Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves outcomes, offering more treatment options before the cancer advances.

When breast cancer is localized, people have a 99% chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis.

Preventing blocked milk ducts and alleviating breastfeeding-related pain

Breast massage may help alleviate pain caused by milk buildup in the breast. In a small 2015 study, all 42 participants reported a reduction in breast and nipple pain after receiving therapeutic breast massage.

Older research has explored the effects of different massage techniques on breast pain, engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis.

A small 2012 study with 47 participants, for example, compared the effects of Oketani massage — which targets the connective tissues between the chest muscles and the breast — with the effects of standard breast massage.

Participants who received Oketani massage reported less breast pain than those who received the regular massage.

Preventing and alleviating lymphedema

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that collects and filters excess fluid and waste throughout the body. In the breasts, these vessels transport fluids to lymph nodes located near the breastbone, collarbone, or underarm.

When the lymphatic system is damaged, fluid and waste can accumulate, leading to swelling known as lymphedema.

Breast massage may help stimulate the lymph vessels, potentially reducing the risk of lymphedema in the arms and chest. This type of breast massage is also referred to as manual lymph drainage.

However, this effect is not definitively established. A 2013 review of 10 randomized controlled trials found no evidence that manual stimulation could prevent or reduce lymphedema.

A more recent, albeit small, 2017 study with 29 participants showed some promise. It used MRI scans to demonstrate that manual stimulation helped move excess lymph fluid.

The massage method you use may differ depending on the benefits you’re looking to receive.

For cancer detection

If you’re checking your breasts for signs of cancer, it’s important to remember that your breast actually extends under your armpit. Don’t forget to check the whole breast, including your nipple, areola, and this extending area.

Follow these steps:

  1. Stand in front of a mirror and do a visual check of your breasts. Look for any size differences, color changes, or shape differences. Place your hands at your sides, then on your hips, and then above your head to see from different angles.
  2. While still looking in the mirror, place one hand behind your head and place three fingers on your breast. Move your fingers in small circles over your breast tissue. Apply light, medium, and hard pressure as you walk your fingers to cover all areas.
  3. Move your fingers to the area under your armpit, and continue with small circles as you walk your fingers along.
  4. Repeat the massage on the other breast.
  5. Finish your massage by squeezing each nipple to look for any discharge or pain. If you experience either one of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.

For lactation

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to massage your breasts for lactation.

Massage may be used with or without hand expression. Hand expression is using your hand to remove breast milk rather than through a pump or breastfeeding.

Follow these steps:

  1. Focus on one breast at a time. Place four fingers of one hand on the top of the breast and four fingers of the other hand on the bottom. Massage in a circular pattern. This may feel best if your hands are warm.
  2. Move your attention to the sides of your breasts, continuing in a circular pattern. You may even want to make fists with your hands and gently roll or knead your breast.
  3. Try using your fingertips to tap and massage all over your breasts as well.
  4. If you do wish to hand express, position your index finger behind the base of your nipple. Bring your fingers together while gently applying pressure to the breast, pushing the milk toward the nipple, and expressing (removing) the breast milk. Adjust your position as needed. Squeeze rhythmically at the rate of a heartbeat.
  5. Hand expression before and after pumping may also help you empty your breasts.

For lymph drainage

Lymph drainage massage starts with the axillary area under your arms. This is where you may actually be able to feel your lymph nodes under the skin.

Follow these steps:

  1. Continue the massage by moving upward clockwise on the right breast and counterclockwise on the left breast. This mimics the direction of the lymphatic system.
  2. Try using both hands to gently apply pressure in light strokes the entire way around the breast and underarm.
  3. After the circle is complete, you may pump the breast inward several times using both hands. You may even feel the nodes draining under your touch.

If you’ve had breast cancer or surgery on your breasts, you may want to be careful around any lumps, scars, or areas that have recently received radiation.

In these cases, it may be best to seek breast massage from a licensed massage therapist.

If you suspect you may have mastitis, make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Massage can help, but you may also need medications to clear the infection.

Massage may help with a variety of breast conditions, from plugged milk ducts to uncomfortable swelling. It may even save your life. It’s generally safe to try breast massage on your own.

If you have a specific medical condition, though, it may be a better idea to consult with a professional for regular care.

If you notice any new lumps or other changes in your breasts, let a healthcare professional know as soon as possible to rule out cancer.