Four-Step Breast Self-Exam

     
  1. Stand up and place one hand behind your head. Hold the fingers of the other hand flat. Gently touch every part of the breast below the raised arm. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening. Now do the other breast.
  2. Stand in front of a mirror. Place your hands on your hips. Inspect each breast for changes in size, shape, and form. Do it again with your arms raised above your head
  3. Lie back with a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Place your right hand behind your head. Examine  every part of your breast with the fingers of the left hand held flat. Gently press in small circles. Start at the top outermost edge and spiral in to the nipple. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening. Now do the other breast. Be sure to follow a consistent pattern. Do not miss any part of the breast.
  4. Rest your arm on a firm surface like the top of a bookshelf. Examine the underarm. Feel for lumps, bumps, or thickening in the same way. Now do the other underarm.