How to perform breast self exam (BSE)

1. Lay down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Next, place your right arm under your
head.
2. Using your three middle fingers of your left hand, massage your right breast with the pads of
your fingers. Check for any lumps or abnormalities. You can move in a circular motion, or up
and down. Make sure you use the same motion every month.
3. Continue the motion, extending to the outside of the breast to your underarm.
4. Repeat on left side.
5. Next, repeat exam standing up, with one arm behind your shoulder as you examine each
breast. Standing or sitting up allows you to feel the outside of the breast more accurately.
6. For added precaution, stand in front of a mirror and squeeze each nipple. Look for any
discharge.
7. Take note of any dimpling, redness or swelling.


Tips:
You can do a portion of the exam while you are in shower. Incorporating it into a normal activity can make it easier to do, and less of a time constraint. Remember to mark your calendar every month as a reminder.

Do the self breast exam every month at the same time. Menstruating women should perform it a few days after their period. Women taking oral contraceptives should do the exam on the first day of starting a new pack of pills.

Report any changes to your physician, even if you feel it is minor.
You can also choose a friend who will be your BSE (breast self exam) Buddy. She can remind you and vice versa to do the exam monthly.

For illustrations, click here