HOW TO PERFORM A BREAST SELF-EXAM (Health Day News)

Health Tip: Perform a Breast Self-Exam

Seek to identify any changes

By Diana Kohnle

Thursday, November 3, 2011

(HealthDay News) -- A monthly breast self-exam can help you identify any changes or abnormalities early, which could lead to a better chance of successful breast cancer treatment.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for performing a breast self-exam:

•Lying down with your right arm behind your head, use the middle three fingers on your left hand to look for abnormalities using a small, circular motion.

•Alternate between using light, medium and firm pressure.

•Continue the exam moving up and down in imaginary lines on your breast, making sure that you examine all areas of the breast, chest and underarm.

•Repeat the exam with your other hand and other breast.

•Stand up and examine your breasts in the mirror, also raising your arms to inspect underarms.

•Look for any changes in the size, shape or color of the skin, including redness, scaling or dimpling.