Step 2: Put hands on hips and push shoulders out
To ensure that all angles have been examined, put your hands on your hips and push your shoulders out. While doing this, repeat Step 1 as you look for any abnormalities. You may be able to see signs that you did not see the first time you looked. Twist the upper half of the body to look at each breast from multiple angles.
Step 3: Use three fingers to examine the breast
Use the first three fingers — the index finger, middle finger and ring finger — to get a thorough feel of the breast. Using three fingers will ensure that you are not mistaking normal tissue for a lump. This should be conducted while lying down.
Step 4: Feel around the breast while standing up and lying down
While lying down, apply pressure to each breast, moving in a circular motion using the three fingers as outlined in Step 3. It is also important to continue the self-check on areas of the body around the breast, such as the armpit.
Step 5: Perform the test around the same time every month
In addition to having an annual mammogram, performing breast self-exams should be done every month around the same time.
