Breast examination 'what you must know'

Breast cancer usually affects women, but men can get it too.  About 90 percent of those diagnosed lose their lives because the cancer spreads to the rest of their bodies. People will often have a lump in the breast, which is why mammography and self-examinations can help detect the cancer early.
What you do is called Breast Self Examination, BSE, which is to be performed each month in addition to an annual mammogram or a clinical examination. Knowing your cyclical changes, what is normal for you, and what regular monthly changes in the breast feel like is the best way to keep an eye on your breast health. Breast tissue extends from under your nipple and up toward your armpit.
It is not difficult. You only need about 15 minutes a month to do that. You use a mirror which lets you see both breasts, a pillow for your head and shoulders and privacy.
First, make a regular date for your BSE.  If you are pre-menopausal: Set a regular time to examine your breasts a few days after your period ends, when hormone levels are relatively stable and breasts are less tender.  If you are already menopausal (has not had a period for a year or more), pick a particular day of the month to do the examination, and then repeat your BSE on that day each month.
In the privacy of your bathroom or your bed room, standing in front of the mirror, raise your arms over your head and see if your breasts move in the same way, and note any differences.
Look at size, shape, and drape, checking for symmetry. Pay attention to your nipples and areolas, to see if you have any dimples, bumps, or retraction. Look up toward your armpits and note if there is any swelling where your lymph nodes are (lower armpit area).
For manual examination, raise your left arm overhead, and use your right-hand fingers to apply gentle pressure to the left breast, then, stroke from the top to the bottom of the breast, moving across from the inside of the breast all the way into your armpit area.
Mark your calendar to remind yourself to do your BSE regularly. This is a good way to prevent worry.  Stay relaxed and breathe normally as you do your BSE. Becoming tense will produce some knots that you may mistake for something worrisome. Remember to have an annual clinical examination and a mammogram.