Breast self-awareness or examination can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
Knowing this will make it easier for you to spot any changes in your breasts that need to be reported right away to your healthcare provider.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a lump, but don’t be alarmed—most lumps are not cancerous.
IN THE SHOWER
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes.
IN FRONT OF A MIRROR
Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles.
Left and right breasts will not exactly match— few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes,particularly on one side.
LYING DOWN
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure.
Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes. Use light, medium, and firm pressure.
Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast