Breast Self Exam

Visit our interactive BSE how-to
This online tool provides BSE instruction through animation, audio clips and text in both English and Spanish.

Following is a guide to performing a Breast Self Exam (BSE).

Step One: Lying Down
Feel for a hard lump, thickening or any change in your breast tissue.

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast
• Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion
• Follow an up and down pattern
• Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit area
• Repeat on your left breast

The steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

Step Two: In Front of the Mirror
Look for changes in the shape, size or appearance of your breasts. Look for dimpling, rash or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or any change from normal. Inspect your breasts in four steps:

• Holding arms at sides
• Holding arms overhead
• Pressing hands on hips to tighten chest muscles
• Bending forward with hands on hips

For more information about breast health or breast cancer, please call the Komen National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline 1-877 GO KOMEN or visit www.komen.org.