Step 1
Begin by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. If you see any of the following changes, bring them to your doctor's attention:
Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin
A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushing inward instead of sticking out)
Redness, soreness, rash or swelling
Step 2
Now raise your arms and look for the same changes.
Step 3
While you're at the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (this could be a watery, milky, or yellow fluid or blood).
Step 4
Next, feel your breasts while lying down. In a firm, smooth and circular motion, use your right hand to feel your left breast, and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side - from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts.
Step 5
Finally, feel your breast while you are standing or sitting. Cover your entire breast using the same hand movements described in Step 4.
If any lump is found during the Breast Self-Examination, please alert and consult your doctor.
Information brought to you by Parkway Cancer Centre. Visit www.parkwaycancercentre.com for more information.