MONTHLY BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION
To be done same time every month, 7-10 days before the start of your period if menstruating. If not, use a fixed day every month. There are a number of recognized methods for examining your breasts. One way is using the clock method. Pretend your breast is a clock.
Using the flat pads of your fingers, press gently but firmly in small overlapping circles, starting at 12 o'clock, right below the collarbone and moving to the nipple. Do not miss an 'hour.' Another method would be to examine the breast in concentric circles starting at the nipple.
Carefully examine the area between the breast and the armpit as that area also contains breast tissue. Examine every part of the breast. Repeat with other breast. Whichever method you choose, it is important to be consistent.
IN THE SHOWER:
Raise one arm. With fingers flat and soapy, touch every part of each breast, as shown, gently feeling for a lump or thickening. Use your right hand to examine the left breast and your left hand to examine the right breast.
BEFORE A MIRROR:
With arms at your sides, then raised above your head, look carefully for changes in the size, shape and contour of each breast. Look for puckering , dimpling, or changes in skin texture, color, or rashes. Check for changes in the nipple such as, whether they have become pulled in.
LYING DOWN:
You must also examine your breasts lying down. To balance the breast on the chest, place a towel or pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head. Examine your right breast with your left hand. Repeat on other side.
CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU FIND ANY CHANGES OR ABNORMALITIES AND SCHEDULE A MAMMOGRAM IF YOU ARE OVER 40 YEARS OF AGE.
See also: Breast Examination from Susan G. Komen
