Every woman should check her breasts once a month. You can find a lump that could be cancer by feeling your own breasts.

This is called Breast Self-Examination.

Breast cancer can be treated with the most success when it is found early.

When to check your breasts

Always check your breasts at the same time each month. The best time to do this is 2 or 3 days after your period ends. If you don't have periods any more, pick a day of the month, (such as the first day) and do your breast self exam on that day every month. Here is how to check your breasts.

How to check your breasts

1.	Take off your shirt and bra and stand in front of a mirror with your hands at your sides. Look for any changes in the size or shape of your breasts. Check the front, then turn from side to side. Look for redness or flaky skin. If you see any wetness from the nipples or if the skin looks wrinkled or flaky, see a doctor right away.
2.	Hold your hands over your head. Bend a little at the waist. Check the front, then turn from side to side. Look for any changes in your breasts. Watch in the mirror for any change in the shape of your breasts. If you see any change, see a doctor right away.
3.	Press your hands firmly on your hips. This will flex the muscles in your chest. Check the front, then turn from side to side. Look again for any change in the shape of your breasts. If you see any change, see a doctor right away.
4.	Lie on your right side. Put your left hand on your forehead. Use your right hand to check your left breast. Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers to press down on your breast. Starting near your armpit, make three small, dime-sized circles... press with light, then medium, then deep pressure.
5.	Move your hand along your breast in strips about one inch wide in an up and down pattern. Be sure to check your whole breast. .
6.	When you get to your nipple, lie back with your arm raised a little above your head. Continue to check your breast in the up and down pattern. When you are finished with your left breast, lie on your left side and check your right breast in the same way.

If you feel a lump under the skin, see a doctor right away.

Remember to check your breasts once a month.

This program is offered by the West Virginia DHHR, Bureau for Public Health, and OMCFH . . . a message from the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center of West Virginia University. The WVBCCSP is supported by cooperative agreement number U57/CCU306741 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).