Things You'll Need:
- A Mirror
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Step 1
Look at your breasts in a mirror with your back straight and your arms down beside you. Become familiar with the way your breasts look. Put your hands on your hips and press down firmly. Look for any abnormal changes in shape or swelling of your breasts. Raise your arms above your head. Observe to see if your breasts have any dimpling or redness. Check to see if your nipples have any discharge or if they have changed position and become inverted. Examine your breasts for moles and note if there are any changes in the shape or color of them.
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Step 2
Lie down on your back and raise your right arm above your head. Use the pads of your index, middle and ring fingers on your left hand to perform your breast self-exam. Move your fingers in an overlapping, circular motion up and down your breast as if in an imaginary line. Use light, medium, and firm pressure before moving on to the next part of your breast. In order to cover all parts of your breast, make sure you move horizontally from your underarm to your chest bone. Move vertically from just under your neck to your ribs.
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Step 3
Raise your left arm above your head. Repeat the same process using the pads of your index, middle and ring fingers on your right hand.
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Step 4
When examining your underarms, sit up or stand. Raise your arms only slightly. Use the same process as with examining your breast.
