Breast self examination (BSE)
Starting around age 20, examine your breasts every month so that you are familiar with their structure and can detect any new masses or lumps:
General Visual Exam:
Look for changes in contour, shape, and overall texture of the breasts.
Look for dimpling, redness, sores, and enlarged pores in the skin.
Look for discharge and inversion of the nipples.
General Touch Exam (Palpation):
Feel for unusual lumps, bumps, thickenings, and tender or enlarged lymph nodes in the breasts, under the arms and in center of chest between the breasts:
1. Use a mirror to examine your breasts visually while standing with your arms up, down and on your hips. Note the shape of the breasts and the texture and color of the skin and nipples. Most women have one breast that is slightly larger, rounder, or flatter than the other.
2. Begin the touch exam while standing. Always use the same pattern, start and end at the same place proceeding in the same fashion; either vertically up and down or in circles inward or outward. Powder or lotion can be used to help the fingers move more smoothly over the skin.
3.Lie down and put your left arm under your head. Use your right hand to examine your left breast stand and press your fingers in a circular direction.
4.Squeeze your nipple to check for blood-stained or clear fluid discharge.