Three Ways to do a
Breast Self-Exam
1) In the Shower
While relaxing in the shower, hold your left arm up and behind your head, while using your right hand to move the pads of your fingers in a circular motion around your left breast. Move from the outer areas of the breast and work inward, then switch sides. Pay attention to what you feel. You’re looking for any changes that might include thickening of lumps, or even a hard knot.
2) In Front of a Mirror
Next, dry off from your shower and stand in front of your bathroom mirror. This time you’ll want to take a look at both breasts with your arms down by your sides. Now, raise both arms above your head and see if you can detect any changes in size or shape. This could appear in the form of swelling, changes in your nipples, or even dimpling of the skin of your breasts. If you’re in the premenstrual part of your cycle, your nipples might be swollen or red. If this is normal for you and your cycle, there’s no need to worry. Next, place your hands on your hips while flexing your breasts. Again look for changes such as dimpling or puckering on one side.
3) Lying Down
Last, you’ll want to lie down on your bed. Placing a pillow beneath your right shoulder, and raise your right arm overhead. With your left hand, examine the right breast just as you did while you were standing in the shower. Then squeeze the nipple to see if there’s any discharge. Do the exact same thing on the other side.