Regular breast self-examinations will familiarize you with how your breasts look, feel and change during the month, so that you can notice if there are any new changes. If you find a change, you should see your GP immediately. Most breast changes or lumps are not cancerous, but only a medical practitioner can tell you for sure.

Your monthly breast self-examination should be done standing up as well as lying down with both the bare hand and with Breast Sense™. Regular breast self-exams help you to know how your breasts normally feel and look, so that you can notice any changes.

Step One

The first step is to examine your breasts while standing up.

Look at your breasts in front of a mirror. Place your hands on your hips and tighten the chest muscles by pressing firmly inward. Perform this step while leaning slightly forward and while standing upright.

You should be examining both your breasts for the following:

• Any changes in size and shape;
• Any dimpling, puckering, changes in skin colour or surface;
• Now raise your arms over your head and look at your breasts as you slowly turn from side to side.
• Look at your breasts closely. Any changes should be reported to your physician.

Step Two

Lower your arms and squeeze each nipple between your finger and thumb and check for nipple discharge. There should be no discharge. If you have any milky or yellow fluid or blood discharge, you should report this immediately to your physician.

Step Three

While standing naturally in front of a mirror, feel your left breast using your right hand. Use a firm, smooth touch with the second, third and fourth fingers of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together.

Beginning at the outermost top of your breast, press the flat portion of your fingertips into your breast. Moving in small circles (the size of 50p) around your breast, work inward toward the nipple.

Press firmly to feel deep tissues and gently to feel tissues under the skin. Ensure you cover the entire breast without skipping any areas, including the armpit area. Repeat this step for the right breast using your left hand.
 
Repeat this entire step with Breast Sense™. Slide your hand into the Breast Sense™ glove and keeping your  fingers flat and together as before, perform your self-examination. Ensure you fully examine both breasts and armpit areas.

Step Four

Next, lie flat on your back with a small pillow or a folded towel under your left shoulder. Raise your left arm over your head. Use the flat portions of the first, second, third, and fourth fingertips of your right hand to examine the left breast. Press firmly to feel deep tissues and more gently to feel tissues under the skin. Also, be sure to check the area between the upper outer breast and your armpit area. Repeat the same procedure for the right breast, using the left hand.
Perform this step again using the Breast Sense™ glove.
 
You should examine your breasts every month within a week after the end of your menstrual period. This is the time when your breasts are least likely to be swollen or tender. Examine your breasts every month, preferably on the same day of the month, if you stopped having periods or if your periods are not regular.