Breast self-examination is important, as it can detect early changes in this area. Although most changes detected during self-examination are benign in origin, some could be an early indication of a malignant tumor formation. The breast self-examination technique is not always a reliable way to detect breast carcinoma. There are many conditions that can cause breast changes. However, a significant number of women report that they themselves discovered the first signs of a new growth. For this reason, doctors recommend that every woman be familiar with the normal shapes of her breasts. When conducting the examination during menstruation, a period should be chosen when the breasts are not so sensitive. Hormone levels in women are different at different stages of the month, which can lead to changes in sensations in the chest area. After the onset of menstruation, it reduces breast swelling and pain. The best time to do a breast self-examination is usually a week after your period ends. Initially, a visual examination of the breast area is started. The examination is performed facing forward to a mirror. Look for wrinkling, changes in size, shape or symmetry of both breasts. The direction of the nipples, which normally point outward, is also looked at. A manual examination of both halves of the chest is then recommended. It is usually done lying down or, as many women prefer, in the shower. When examining the chest in the supine position, the body should be placed on a flat surface. In this position, the breast tissue spreads, making it thinner and easier to feel. On the other hand, in the shower, the use of soap helps the fingers slide smoothly over the skin, which greatly facilitates the examination. It is important that the self-examination of the breast tissue is performed with the soft surface of the fingers, and not only with their tips. If the sensitivity of the finger pads is reduced, it is recommended to use another part of the hand that is more sensitive, such as the palm. During the examination, different levels of pressure should be used to feel the tissues in detail. With light pressure, the tissue closest to the skin is felt, with medium pressure – a little deeper, and with strong pressure, the deepest area is felt. The examination should be performed slowly and sequentially in each area of ​​the chest. In some cases, breast tissue changes are a normal finding. For this reason, the detection of denser tissue is not always a cause for concern. In addition, there may be some differences in individual areas. The appearance and shape of the breasts change with age. However, if a significant change in normal tissue is suspected, a visit to a specialist doctor is recommended. References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-exam/about/pac-20393237