Perform a monthly self-exam, preferably after your menstrual period ends, and choose a specific day for postmenopausal women.
Visual inspection
Examine breasts for changes in size, shape, contour, dimpling, puckering, or bulging, and inspect nipples for inversion or discharge.
Raise your arms
Observe changes in size, shape, and contour of your arms overhead, as well as any changes in the skin or nipple area.
Feel for changes while lying down
Lay down with a pillow under your right shoulder and use your left hand to feel your right breast in circular motions, checking for lumps, thickening, or other changes.
Feel for changes while sitting up
To examine the right breast, raise your right arm and use a circular motion with your left hand.