Every Deaf and Hard of Hearing Woman Counts

Breast Self-Examination

How do you do a good breast self exam?

You can call your local American Cancer Society, or the National Cancer Institute's 1-800-4CANCER for a good brochure.

There are several key points to doing a good breast self exam. The first step is to look at your breasts in the mirror. Are they both the same size and shape they have always been? Raise your arms and look at your breasts in the mirror. Then put your hands on your hips. Do both breasts still look the same? Is there any dimpling in any part of your breasts? The next step is to lie down on your bed and place a towel or small pillow under the shoulder of the breast you will examine first.

I just showed you how to lie down with a pillow or towel underneath you. Now I will explain how to slide your fingers along the breast. Do not lift them and move them or you might miss a change. Now repeat the process. Use a vertical strip pattern so you cover the whole breast, including the breast tissue that continues into the armpit. It’s best to do a breast self exam after your menstrual period because the breasts are less tender at that time. If you are no longer menstruating, you can exam your breasts any time of the month. Please teach your relatives and friends how to do a breast self exam. You could help them save their lives.