HOW TO PERFORM BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (BSE) PART A - LYING DOWN OR IN THE SHOWER Feel for any change in your breast tissue e.g. thickening or hard lump. 1 Put your right hand behind your head and use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand to examine your right breast (use soapy water if in the shower)  2. Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion, then follow with an up-and-down pattern and then a wedge pattern (refer to diagrams A, B and C - click on the pics to enlarge) 3. Feel for any changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit area 4. Repeat these steps for your left breast PART B - IN FRONT OF A MIRROR Look for changes in the shape, size or appearance of your breasts e.g. dimpling, rash or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or any change from normal. Inspect your breasts in four ways: 1. Holding arms at side 2. Holding arms overhead 3. Pressing hands on hips to tighten chest muscles 4. Bending forward with hands on hips