Breast Self-Exam

By regularly examining her own breasts, a woman is likely to notice any changes that occur. The best time to do Breast Self Exam (BSE) is every month just after your period, when your breasts are not swollen or tender. If you no longer have periods, do BSE on the same day each month.

• Stand in front of a mirror that is wide enough to see your whole chest. Press down on your hips to tighten your chest muscles and bend forward at the waist with your hands on your hips. Check for dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling. Learn what looks normal for you.
• Lie down with a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Extend your right arm out at an angle so that your elbow is slightly higher than your shoulder, or place your right arm behind your head.
• Use the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast tissue, which spreads from the collarbone to the bra line and from the armpit to the breastbone. Use the pads of your fingers, which are more sensitive than your fingertips. Keep your fingers straight.
• Make three small circles with the pads of your three fingers, using light, medium, then firm pressure. Do not lift your fingers away from your breast between circles.
• Continue making three circles and follow a vertical strip pattern (like a lawn-mowing pattern), covering the entire breast tissue area with the pads of your fingers. When finished, lower your arm and check your armpit.
• Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow or folded towel under your left shoulder.)
• You can repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position can make it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit), where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of BSE while you are in the shower. Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy.
• If you feel any changes or are not sure that what you are feeling is normal, visit your doctor to get his or her opinion.

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