Performing a self breast examination every month starting at age 20 is an important tool in the early detection of breast cancer. Examining your breasts regularly helps you gain familiarity with their composition and normal feel; making it easier for you to identify and report any new changes to your doctor should they occur.

Get into the habit of performing a self breast exam at the end of your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you no longer menstruate, perform this exam on the same day of each month.

During a self breast exam, make sure that your breasts are their usual size, contour, and color and that they are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling. Look out for dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, nipple discharge or a nipple that has changed position.

If you notice any of these changes, you must bring them to your doctor’s immediate attention.

Step 1: In Front of a Mirror

Look for any abnormal changes and check the shape, size, color and texture of your breasts in four different positions:

• Arms at your side.
• Hands pressed on your hips while tightening your chest muscles.
• Arms held over your head.
• Upper body bent forward with your hands on your hips.

Step 2: Lying Down

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder.
• Using the finger pads of the middle three fingers of your left hand, examine your right breast for the presence of any lumps.
• Press gently but firmly using variable pressure (light, medium, and deep) to each area examined.
• Follow overlapping circular motions and cover the entire breast including underarm area.
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.


These steps may be repeated while showering, as soap eliminates friction and has a better efficacy for detecting lumps.

Remember that self breast examinations should be performed in combination with clinical breast examinations and mammograms according to age and risk recommendations.

For these steps in Arabic, please click here.