Breast Self-Examination
How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination
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The best time to conduct a self-examination is several days after the end of your period. If you have experienced menopause, choose a day that is easy for you to remember, such as the first day of the month.
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Step 1: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms at your hips. Looking at both breasts, observe:
- The size, shape and color of your breasts
- If there are any visible distortions
- If there is any dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin
- If one of your nipples is inverted
- Any redness, soreness, rashes or swelling of your breasts
Step 2: Repeat Step 1, this time looking at each breast separately. Raise your right
arm over your head to observe your right breast, then raise
your left arm over your head to observe your left breast.
Step 3: Look for any changes in the way your breasts feel. While standing, sitting or lying down, with
a firm but smooth touch, use your first two fingers in a circular
or vertical (up and down) motion. Begin with a very soft touch
and then increase the pressure to feel the deeper tissue.
Make
sure to cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to
side, from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from
your armpit to your cleavage. You could also perform this step in the shower, as the soapy water makes it easy for your fingers to slide over your skin.
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