Breast Exam - Make breast self exam a lifetime habit

Examine your breasts every month, two to three days after your period ends; after menopause, the first day of each month.

In the Shower
1. Place your left hand behind your head
2. With your right hand, move the flats of your fingers over the entire left breast in small circular motions around the breast moving in towards the nipple.
3. Check for lumps, knots and thickening.
4. Repeat on right; place your right hand behind your head and examine your right breast.
Before A Mirror
1. Press both hands for behind your head, look for changes in shape, size or skin texture of both breasts.
2. Check for discharge or scaling of nipples.
3. Place your hands on your hips, tighten chest and arm muscles by pressing firmly inward.
4. Look for lumps and dimpling.
Lying Down
1. Lie flat on your back with a pillow or folded towel under your shoulders.
2. Place your right hand behind your head.
3. With your left hand on your right breast, use flats of fingers to make small circular motions toward nipple.
4. Press firmly to feel deep tissue, more gently to fell masses under skin.
5. Check area between breast and armpit and armpit itself.
6. Switch hanks and repeat on left breast.
7. Finally, gently squeeze nipples between opposite index finger and thumb and check for discharge.

Please note: breast self exam is important but does not replace regular checkups with your doctor.