Breast Self-Exam (cont.)

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Right breast

• Place a pillow under your right shoulder.
• Put your right hand under your head.
• Check the entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand.
• Use small circles and follow an up-and-down pattern.
• Use light, medium, and firm pressure over each area of the breast.
• Feel the breast with the surfaces of the second, third, and fourth fingers, moving systematically and using small, circular motions from the nipple to the outer margins.
• Gently squeeze the nipple for any evidence of discharge.

Left breast

• Repeat these steps on your left breast employing your right hand.

Breast self-examination can easily be performed while you're in the bath or shower. It may be easier to identify breast masses when the skin is moist.

• Raise your right arm.
• With soapy hands and fingers pressing on the breast tissue, check your right breast with your left hand.
• Use the same small circles and up-and-down pattern described earlier.
• Repeat on the left breast with your right hand.

If you have breast implants, it may be useful to have your surgeon or doctor assist you in identifying the edges of the implants so any changes in the contour of the breast can be easily appreciated.

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