The American Cancer Society suggests that women over the age of 20 conduct a Breast Self-Exam each month. You should also receive a Clinical Breast Examination when going for yearly check-ups with your gynecologist.
The point of doing a BSE is so you can learn how your breasts normally feel; this will allow you to notice any changes in the future.
Step 1
Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and arms on hips. You should be looking for:
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Breasts that are their usual shape, size and color
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Breasts that are evenly shaped without visible distortion or swelling.
If you see any of the following changes, inform your doctor:
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Dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin
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If your nipple has changed position or has become inverted (pushed inward instead of sticking out)
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Redness, soreness, rash or swelling
Step 2
Raise your arms and look for the same changes above.
Step 3
At the mirror, look for any signs of fluid coming out of your nipples. The fluid could be watery, milky or yellow fluid or blood.
Step 4
Feel your breasts while lying down. Use your right hand to feel your left breast, and your left hand to feel your right one. Touch firmly and smoothly with the first few finger pads of your hands. Keep them flat and together, using a circular motion about the size of a quarter.
Be sure to cover the entire breast, from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen; and from your armpit to your cleavage.
To make sure you cover the whole breast, you can begin at the nipple and move in bigger and bigger circles until you reach the outer edge of the breast. You can also move your fingers up and down vertically in rows. Make sure you feel all the tissue from the front to the back of your breasts. For the skin and tissue right underneath, use light pressure. For the tissue in the middle of your breasts, use medium pressure. And for the deep tissue in the back, use firm pressure. When you’ve reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down to your ribcage.
Step 5
Feel your breasts while standing or sitting. Many women find the easiest way to do this is when their skin is slippery and wet, so the shower is a good place. Cover your entire breast and use the same movements from Step 4.
For more info: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp
