Breast Self-Examination
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The Basics

When to perform the exam
During your monthly cycle there will be changes in your breast tissue as your body retains water at different times.

You should do your monthly exam when your breasts are the smallest and the least lumpy or tender. For most women this is 7 to 10 days after the end of your menstrual period.

If you are no longer menstruating, pick a date you can remember easily, like the first Monday of each month or your birth date, for your monthly exam.

Basic palpation technique Use the flats of your middle three fingers for examining your breasts. The entire area from last joint to the end of your finger should be in line with the base of your breast.

At each spot you examine, stop and move the flats of your fingers in three small circles - about the size of a dime.

Lumps can occur at any depth, and movable lumps can be missed because they are easily pushed out of the way. Therefore, use the following three levels of pressure to examine each spot thoroughly.

1. Use very light pressure on your first circle, just enough to move the skin but not disturb the tissue underneath. Remember that pressing too hard at first could cause a lump to scoot out of the way.

2. On your second circle, press midway into the tissue. Be sure to keep your fingers flat.

3. To find lumps deep in the breast tissue, press as firmly as you can without discomfort on your third circle. Most women can feel their ribs with this third, deep circle.