It’s important to check your breasts regularly. This is sometimes called being breast aware. This means learning how your breasts look and feel at different times. Doing this helps you to know what is normal for you and to recognise any unusual or irregular changes.
Being breast aware is important from your mid-twenties onwards.
Breast self-exam
Step 1
Look for changes in the appearance of your breast. Stand and look in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your hands on your hips.
Step 2
Raise your arms and look for changes in appearance. Check nipples for changes or discharge.
Step 3
Feel your breasts. Use your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast.
Keep your fingers flat and together. Using a circular motion, cover your entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Move your hand from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage.
You may find it easier to feel your breasts when your skin is wet and slippery so you prefer to do this step in the shower.
Related links
This content was supplied by breastcancer.org.