Breast Self Exam
Check both breasts once a month 7 days after the start of your period (or if you do not have a period, check on the same date each month). |
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Stand in Front of a Mirror
Look for changes in your breasts standing straight with arms at you side, arms overhead; and hands pushing on hips. You should check for changes in the way your breasts look and feel. Feel for lumps and look for skin or nipple changes such as: |
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- skin dimpling
- skin redness
- skin puckering
- skin thickening
- leaking nipple
- scaling nipple
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Lay Down
Put your right hand under your head. With the pads of your 3 middle fingers on your left hand held together, make small circles on your right breast using three pressures; light, medium, and deep to feel for lumps. Use the vertical pattern covering the area shown in the picture to the right. Repeat on your left breast. |
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If you see or feel any changes, or have questions, call your medical provider right away.
For early detection of breast cancer, a monthly breast self exam along with an annual clinical breast exam and a mammogram is your best protection! |
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Links:
To get more information on breast self-examinations visit the American Cancer Society or BreastCancer.org .
To view a clip on how to perform a breast self examination visit the Komen Foundation.
Works Cited:
Arizona Department of Health Services in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. |
