Check for any changes in your breast such as lumps (which may not always be round), dimpling, thickening, swelling, nipple discharge or any abnormal change in shape or color.

You should do your BSE once a month, usually 2-3 days after your period is over, when your breasts are less swollen and tender. If you are postmenopausal, pick a day of the month that is easy to remember, such as the first day of the month.

Lump 
Usually single, firm and most often painless.
 
 

Inverted nipple
In a previously normal breast.

Change in skin’s appearance
Portion of the skin on the breast has the appearance of an orange peel, sometimes accompanied by swelling.

Superficial veins
Skin surface veins on one breast become more prominent than the other.

 
Skin dimpling
Depression occurring in a localized area of the breast surface.   

How to examine your breast

 
STEP 1
Manual Inspection Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.

STEP 2
Mentally envision your breast divided into one of the three American Cancer Society approved breast self-examination patterns shown below:

  


STEP 3
Using the finger pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand, feel for changes (lumps or thickening) below the skin of your right breast. Use deeper pressure to check for deeper changes.

• Move your fingers in dime-size circles, following the pattern you have chosen. Don’t lift your fingers off of the breast.
• Check from your collarbone to your bra line. Include the area at your breast area. Do the exam the same way every time.
• Now repeat the exam on your left breast, using the right hand finger pads. Follow the example above with the pillow under your left shoulder, placing your left arm behind your head.

STEP 4
Visual Inspection Stand in front of the mirror to see if there are any changes in the way your breasts look. Stand first with your arms at your side, and then raise your arms above or behind your head, still looking for any changes. Finally, with your hands on your hips, press down and tense your muscles to make any changes more prominent.


STEP 5
Gently squeeze each nipple checking for any discharge.

 
STEP 6
In the Shower Raise your right arm behind your back. Using your three middle fingers of your left hand, held flat together, roll and press the right breast area firmly against the chest wall. Repeat this process for your left breast, raising your left arm.

If you think you have found a lump of any size, contact your physician. Most lumps are not cancerous but you won’t know until you ask.