Breast Self-exam
Breast cancer is one of the most serious health
problems a woman can face. On average, a woman
has a one in nine chance of developing breast
cancer during her lifetime. But breast cancer
is curable if it is caught early, and monthly
breast self-exams (BSEs) are an important defense
against this disease.
The best time to examine your breasts is two
or three days after the end of your period, when
your breasts are least likely to be tender or
swollen. If you do not have periods, pick a day,
such as the first day of each month, to remind
yourself that you need to perform a BSE.
 In the Shower
Raise your left arm. Use your right hand
to examine your left breast. With fingers
flat, touch every part of the breast, gently
feeling for a lump or thickening. Press
firmly, starting at the outermost top edge
of your breast and spiraling in toward
the nipple. Examine every part of the breast.
Pay attention for any lumps, thickenings
or other changes from previous exams. Repeat
the exam using your left hand to examine
your right breast. |
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 Lying Down
Place a towel or pillow under your left
shoulder and put your left hand behind
your head. With fingers flat, press firmly
on your left breast with your right hand.
Start at the outermost top edge of your
breast and spiral in toward the nipple.
Examine every part of the breast. Pay attention
for any lumps, thickenings or other changes
from previous exams. Repeat the exam using
your left hand to examine your right breast. |
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 Looking Into a Mirror
Place your hands at your sides. Look carefully
for changes in the size, shape and contour
of each breast. Look for puckering, dimpling
or changes in skin texture. Also, gently
squeeze both nipples and look for discharge.
Repeat the exam with your hands on your
hips, then above your head. |
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 Sitting Down
With your arm resting on a firm surface
in front of you, use the same circular
motion to examine your armpits. This area
is also breast tissue. |
If you notice anything unusual in your monthly
exams, see your doctor. Keep in mind that most
breast lumps or other changes do not indicate
cancer, especially in premenopausal women. However,
your doctor will want to perform an exam and,
possibly, order tests to determine whether you
have breast cancer.
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