Breast self-examination is a technique all adult women must learn. Although it is not a substitute for physical exam by the physician, it is a critical part of a woman's preventive health program. Through monthly self exam, a woman can become more aware of the nature of her breast tissue than any other person. If she establishes this habit pattern, she will find small changes if they should occur and bring these to the attention of her doctor. She should check monthly for any lumps or thickenings in the breast tissue. Although most of these will not prove to be cancerous, early detection and action are critical to a happy outcome for those lumps that are. The breast should be checked once each month about 1 week after completion of the menstrual period. The following steps should be used:

	After leaving the shower, raise the left arm and use the right hand to feel the left breast. Begin by pressing on the nipple and areola and checking for nipple discharge. Then begin to press the breast tissue between your fingers and the underlying chest. Begin this in the areolar area and then proceed in ever greatening circles around the entire breast. Lastly, feel into the armpit. After you finish with the left breast, repeat the porcess on the other side.
	Next, stand before a mirror with hands on hips, and then raise your hands and placed them behind your head. As you do this, look for any changes in the shape of the breast as well as any dimpling or rippling of the skin.
	Finally, lie down on your back on the bed and use the same pressing action with the opposite hand in greatening circles that you used when upright. Feel into the armpit again. The recumbant position flattens the breast tissues on the chest and may make some lumps easier to feel.