If you notice any changes in your breasts such as a lump, dimpling, pain,
skin irritation, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), or inverted nipple,
see your personal doctor right away. If you do not have a personal doctor, call
1-800-ALEGENT for a doctor closest to you.
1. Stand before a mirror. Look at both breasts to note anything
unusual--changes in shape, protruding veins, discoloration, or any other change
from normal. Look for a discharge from the nipples, puckering, dimpling, or
scaling of the skin.
2. Check for changes in contour or shape of your breasts. Watching closely in
the mirror, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward.
3. Next, press your hands firmly on your hips and bow slightly toward the
mirror as you pull your shoulders and elbows forward. This completes the portion
of breast self exam in front of the mirror.
4. Some women do the next part of the exam in the
shower; your fingers will glide easily over soapy skin.
Raise your left
arm. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of
your right hand to feel your left breast firmly and thoroughly. Beginning at the
outer edge, press the flat part of your fingers in small circles, moving the
circles slowly around the breast. You can begin at the outer edges of the breast
and gradually work towards the nipple, or vice versa. Be sure to cover the whole
breast and to include the area between the breast and the underarm, including
the underarm itself. You are feeling for any unusual lumps or mass under the
skin.
5. Gently squeeze the nipple and look for a discharge. Report any discharge
or unusual lumps to your doctor.
Repeat this same process lying down so that the breast becomes flattened,
making it easier to feel lumps or other masses.
Repeat the exam on your right breast, both standing up and lying
down.
