Self-Breast Exam

Step 1: Look

While standing in front of a mirror, turn from side to side and notice any changes in the shape, texture and color of your breasts, skin and nipple in these four positions:

• arms relaxed at your sides
• body bent forward with hands on hips
• press hands on hips to tighten chest muscles
• arms raised over head

Step 2: Examine

Lie down - Lying on your back, place the hand of the breast being examined behind your head and a pillow under the same shoulder.

In the Shower - Standing in the shower, place the hand of the breast being examined behind your head. Fingers glide more easily over wet skin.

• Use your three middle fingers of your opposite hand and feel closely for lumps.
• Start at the armpit and feel down your side to the bra line, then back up to your collar bone, moving across the breast bone.
• Move your fingers in dime-size circles applying three different levels of pressure (light, medium, and deep) in a vertical pattern)
• Repeat on your other breast using your opposite hand.