Although the greatest concern is the early detection of breast cancer, it is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all breast lumps are not cancerous.
Fibrocystic change is the most common benign condition of the breast.
It is convenient to do BSE while in the shower or bath, because wet hands make it easier to slide the fingertips across the breast tissue. Raise one hand above and behind the head, and use the opposite hand. Using the flat pads of the middle three fingers, feel for any swollen or lumpy areas. Move the fingers in small circles to feel the tissue beneath the fingers. Slide the fingers to the next area of the breast to be examined.