Breast self-exam involves two steps - visual examination done by standing in front of the mirror and a palpation (feeling for any changes in the breast) done by lying down on the bed or in the shower.
For visual examination - Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms at your sides. Look for any visible changes in the size, shape, variation in symmetry, inverted nipples, or skin changes over your breasts such as dimpling, redness, puckering, or redness of the skin over your breasts. Also, raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes.
For palpation test - Lie down and use the pads of your fingers to gently press on your breasts in a circular motion, starting from the outer edge and moving towards the nipple. Cover the entire breast, including the armpit area. Check for any hardness such as knot-like feeling, thickening, or lumps. You can also perform this step in the shower, where the skin is slippery and easier to examine.