Betty Brown, mammography technologist and supervisor of the Baptist Imaging Center, said these steps should be followed:

• Standing in front of a mirror, look for dimpling in the breasts or scaling of the skin. Notice anything unusual. Clasp your hands behind your head and press your elbows forward. Look for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
• Lying flat on your back with a pillow or folded towel beneath your left shoulder, place your left arm behind your head. Using the pads of three middle fingers on your right hand, explore your left breast firmly, carefully and thoroughly. Press along the breast beginning at the outer edge, moving in circles and gradually working inward toward the nipple. Or use a wedge pattern, moving from the outer edge to the nipple and back, in small, wedge-shaped sections. Be sure to cover the entire breast. Next, check the area between the breast and underarm, as well as the underarm itself. Feel for any unusual lump or mass.
• Squeeze the nipple gently for any discharge and feel it for lumps.
• Repeat on the other side.

(Performing the exam while in the shower, using wet, soapy hands is also recommended. This allows the fat pads of the fingers to glide over the breast, making it much easier to detect an abnormality.)

“Regularly examining your breasts will familiarize you with the way they normally feel,” said Brown. “If you notice anything new or unusual, phone your physician.”