NAME: YZEL V.

ADAVAN ` COURSE/YEAR: BSN-1A

SUBJECT: HA (RLE)

THE FIVE STEPS OF A BREAST EXAMINATION

STEP 1: Look at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms
on your hips. Check size, shape, and color. Notice if they are evenly shaped with no
distortion or swelling.
Notify your doctor if you notice:
 Dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin.
 A nipple that has changed position or an inverted nipple (pushed inward instead
of sticking out).
 Redness, soreness, rash, or swelling.

STEP 2: Raise your arms and determine if you see the same.
STEP 3: Look for any signs of fluid coming out of one or both nipples (e.g., watery,
milky, yellow fluid, or blood).

STEP 4: Lie down with your right arm behind your head. Lying down spreads the breast
tissue evenly over the chest wall, making it easier to feel. Use the three middle finger
pads and move them in a circular motion covering the entire breast from top to bottom,
side to side – from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to
your cleavage.
Follow a pattern to be sure that you cover the whole breast. You can begin at the
nipple, moving in larger and larger circles until reach the outer edge of the breast.
Some women prefer to use an up-and-down approach by moving the fingers up
and down vertically, in rows, as of mowing a lawn. Be sure to feel all the tissue from the
front to the back of your breasts: for the skin and tissue just beneath, use light pressure
for tissue in the middle of your breasts; use firm pressure for the deep tissue in the
back. When you have reached the deep tissue, you should be able to feel down the
ribcage.
STEP 5: Many women find it easiest to do this in the shower when the skin is wet and
slippery. Cover the entire breast, using the same hand movements described in step 4.