According to the guidelines from the American Cancer Society, women should use monthly Breast Self Exam (BSE) as one of your ways to detect early breast cancer. Here is one way to perform your monthly BSE:
Lying down:
Place a towel or pillow under your right shoulder to flatten your right breast. Examine your right breast with your left hand. Fingers flat, press firmly enough to feel for lumps or changes using a rubbing motion. Feel all of the breast area from the collarbone to just beneath the breast; and from your armpit to your breastbone. Repeat with the left breast.
In addition, be sure to schedule your clinical breast examination and mammogram as appropriate.
Be sure to report any changes to your health care professional.