Breast self-exams are a means of checking the breasts for any irregularities (like lump or gathering). This comprises of observing and feeling the breasts. Any abnormal variations must be promptly informed to the doctor as breast cancer when spotted in its initial stages considerably raises the survival chances.

Performing Breast Self-Examination

In case one does opt to carry out a self-breast examination, then the below illustrated steps should be correctly followed.

• In front of a mirror, position oneself in way that the arms are by the sides and not stiff, observing the breasts for any variations in the size, outline or its position or any difference in the breast skin. Looking out for whether the breast skin has puckers, dimples, and sores or has discolouring. Inspecting the nipples and looking out for any form of sore, cracks or variation in the way the nipples are directed.
• Now placing the hands on the hip area and pressing down tightly to stiffen the chest muscles below the breasts. Turning from the right to the left sides so that one could scrutinize the outer area of the breasts.
• Bending forwards towards a mirror, rolling the shoulders and elbows forwards for tightening the chest muscles. Doing this would cause the breasts to dangle forwards, watch out for differences in the form of the breasts.
• Clinching the hands by placing them on the back of the head and pressing the hands forwards. Now, turning from left to the right side while inspecting the outer parts of the breasts. Bearing in mind to examine the edging beneath the breasts. One might require lifting the breasts with the hand for seeing this spot.
• Checking the nipples for any kind of fluid emission. Placing the thumb and index finger on the adjoining areola tissue and pulling outwards towards the tip of the nipple and looking out for any form of fluid being released. These similar steps should be repeated on the other breast.
• Whilst showering palpate the breasts for any alterations preferably with soapy hands looking for any form of lumps or thickening in the armpit. Placing the right hand on the hips and reaching out with the left hand for feeling any abnormalities in the right underarm area and following the same on the other side.
• Checking the area over and lower than the clavicle (collar bone) for any lumpy formation or accumulations felt in these areas.
• Using lathered up hands raising an arm at the back of the head for spreading out the breast tissue. Using the flattish section of the fingers of the other hand for mildly pressing into the breast. Following an upwards and downwards pattern all through the length of the breast, making a move from the line of the bra till the clavicle. Continuing this pattern till the complete area of the breast has been scrutinized. Repeating similarly on the other side.
• Now, lying down and placing a tiny cushion or doubled up napkin underneath the left shoulder. Putting the left hand at the back of the head and placing the right hand on the upper region of the left breast with fingers joined and even. A cream would be helpful to carry out this exam.
• Imagining the breast to be the visage on a clock, beginning at the twelve o clock position and moving till one in undersized spherical movements following this till the complete circle is made and one is back to the square one position. The fingers have be flattened and constantly in touch with the breast. Once an entire round has been completed, moving an inch nearer to the nipple and doing a similar round and continuing this motion till the complete breast has been examined. One must ensure that the sections located on the upper and on the outside which lengthen into the underarm area are also examined.
• Placing flattened fingers directly over the nipples and feeling underneath them for any variations, mildly pressing inwards to check for easy movement. Repeating the three points just mentioned above on the other breast.