How to do a Breast Self-Exam

A regular breast self-exam is one of the best ways to find a cancerous tumor when it is small, before the cancer has a chance to spread. Check yourself at the same time every month , 2 to 3 days after your period. (Remember, self-examination is not a substitute for regular exams by a doctor.)

1 Stand facing a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for
anything unusual on your breasts: dimples, scaly patches,
puckers, or discharge coming from a nipple.

2 Check for changes in the contours of your breasts.Watch in
the mirror as you lift your hands behind your head, clasp your
hands, and press them against the back of your head.

3 Check again with your hands on your hips and your elbows
pulled forward.


4 Squeeze your nipples gently to check for discharge.

5 With one arm raised, use the fingertips of your other hand
to feel your breast for any lumps under the skin. Start in your
armpit and move toward your breast, pressing in small areas
about the size of a quarter. (Try this in the shower; your fingers
will slide more easily over soapy skin.) Use a definite
pattern—a spiral, line, or wedge. Cover the entire breast, as
well as the upper chest and underarm. Repeat on other side.


Spiral Start at the outer edges of the breast and
slowly work your way around it in smaller and smaller
circles.

Line Start under your arm and slowly stroke up
and down,progressing across the breast.

Wedge Start at the outer edge of the breast and
move slowly toward the middle, then back to the
edge.

6 Repeat step 5 lying on your back,with one arm over your
head and a pillow under your shoulder. Use one of the patterns
above to check each breast.



If you find a lump, unusual firmness, a change in shape, or any discharge from a nipple, call your doctor.