How to Give Yourself a Breast Exam

Breast cancer is a frightening disease to think about, but catching it as early as possible it the best ay to fight it. Screening is the best way to detect this disease, but a self exam should be done often and can even save your life. Using the proper technique is the best way to having the most efficient self exam possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Lie down on your back and place your right arm behind your head.
   
   Using the pad of your three middle fingers on your left hand, feel around for lumps, in your right breast. Use overlapping small circular motions to feel the breast tissue thoroughly.

2. Start with light pressure around the tissue closest to your skin.
   The move on to medium pressure to feel a little deeper.
   Then firm pressure to feel the tissue which is farthest from your skin.
   It is normal for a firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast.

3. Move your breast around in an up and down pattern all around from your underarm to across your chest to your sternum. Make sure you check the entire area as far down as your ribs and as high as your collarbone.
   
   Repeat the same steps on your left breast, using your right hand the same way.
   
   Stand in front of the mirror with your hands pressed firmly onto your hips and look at your breasts. See if there is any change in appearance like redness, dimpling, size, shape, contour, scaliness etc.

4. Lastly examine each underarm while either sitting down or standing up. Have your arm just slightly raised so you can easily check the area. Raising your arm to high tightens your muscle and tissue and can make it hard to exam.
   
   If you detect any concerns call your doctor and schedule to be seen for further screening.