Breast Self Exam (BSE)

Every woman should perform a breast self exam on herself each month. The BSE is an easy and painless way to find breast cancer early.

Step 1: Lay down on your bed, or stand in the shower. Put your right arm behind your head. Use the three middle fingers of your left hand to check your right breast.

Step 2: Press down on your breast using dime-shaped circular motions. Cover the entire breast moving up and down in straight lines. Make sure to check from your collar bone down to the top of your ribs, and from the center of the chest bone into the arm pit.

Step 3: Repeat this process using your right hand on your left breast.

Step 4: Look at your breasts in the mirror without a shirt or bra on. First stand with your shoulders straight, then raise your arms above your head. Look for changes on the breast, nipple, and areola.

If you have any changes in your breasts that are not usual for you, call your doctor right away.

Funding provided by Illinois Department of Public Health Office of Women's Health.