Breast Self-Examination
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How to Examine Your Breasts

Step 1: Visual inspection
Visual inspection is an important part of your monthly routine. Be sure that you know the basic palpation techinique.

1. Begin by standing in front of mirror with your arms at your sides.

2. Raise your arms. Look at the front of your breasts and then turn and look at each side.

3. Check your skin's surface for swelling, puckering or sunken areas. Also, inspect your nipples and the surrounding area for discoloration, distortion of their shape (retraction), discharge, or dandruff-like scaling. Gently squeeze your nipples to check for discharge. For most women, each breast is a slightly different size, so don't be concerned about this unless your breasts look different than they normally do.

4. While still in front of the mirror, flex your chest muscles by pressing down firmly with your hands on your hips and check your breasts again for the skin changes noted above. Look first at the front and then each of the sides.