Facing a mirror

	Inspect both breasts with your arms at your sides.
	Raise your arms slowly, paying close attention to any swelling, or change in your breasts or nipples.
	Place hands on your hips, flex your chest muscles and again visually compare both breasts.

In the Shower

	Extend right arm upward and examine right breast.
	Extend left arm upwards and examine left breast.

On the Bed

	Lie down on a bed or floor on your back.
	Insert your pillow under your right shoulder so that your right breast is flat.
	Examine your right breast with right arm under head.
	Insert your pillow under your left shoulder so that your left breast is flat.
	Examine your left breast with left arm under head.

Use the fingertips of your three middle fingers to feel your breast. Always use your left hand for your right breast. Use your right hand for your left breast.

From your neck, under your arm, down across your ribcage, up the breastbone.

Three methods

	Circular motion in an oval pattern.
	Vertical motion in a rectangle pattern.
	Wedge motion in an oval pattern.

Check for any lumps, hard knots, swelling, dimpling, or thickening. Observe for abnormal change of size, shape, color or discharge.

Exam yourself regularly

Schroeder's Women's Center
Breast Diagnostic Center
St. Francis Hospital
901-765-1755

Women's Health Center
6025 Walnut Grove Road, Suite 101
Memphis, TN 38120
901-226-5907