In general about 1 in every 12 women will contract breast cancer at some age, the odds of contracting it later in life being greater. Thanks to modern medicine many breast cancers can be treated successfully without impacting the life in a major way. However, the success of one's treatment depends critically on early detection. The earlier breast cancer is detected the better off you are. One simple way to increase your odds of early diction is performing a breast self examination on a regular basis.

The goal of breast self examination is to detect changes which might signal a condition worth investigating more closely, either with a professional clinical exam, mammogram or other diagnostic aid. Those changes might indicate an abnormality. But to judge what's abnormal, it's essential to know what constitutes normal. That varies from individual to individual, though there are commonalities.

The first step in conducting a proper self-exam is to know what your own breasts feel and look like in general. Each and every part of the body goes through subtle changes on a regular basis. Throughout the menstrual cycle these changes might be exaggerated. Breasts may become enlarged and even more sensitive. If you start your self-exam a few days prior to your period every month it will become a habit. If you are post-menopausal you should choose the same day each month to perform the exam.

Stand directly in front of a mirror naked and inspect your breasts visually. Look for any changes in the size of just one breast. Typical menstrual cycles and other changes that are hormone related will typically affect both breasts simultaneously. Look for any changes in size or color of your areola (darker skin around nipple) or nipple. Take note of any wrinkling, or "orange peel" appearance that is not related to cold temperature. Most areola are round, look for any lack in symmetry.

Squeeze the nipples gently noting any fluid that comes out. For some women some lactation is normal. Yellowish, pus-like fluid may need to be further examined by a physician. It could be a simple infection or it could be an early sign of a developing tumor. Make sure you examine both nipples.

Check the breast for tumors by feeling carefully over the entire surface of the breast with your arms lowered. Make sure you include not just the surface from the breast bone to the side, but also up toward the armpit as well. Press your finger pass firmly moving your hand slowly as your feel for any thickening or lumps.

Not all lumps are cancerous. In fact, most are not. A lump may be a simple cyst, a fluid-filled sac of tissue. Often they are round and can be moved slightly. These are benign, though you may want to have them removed anyway. Some will fade spontaneously over time.

Cancerous lumps tend to be harder and less regular in shape. They are frequently attached to breast tissue. Not all hard lumps are cancerous either, so don't be unduly alarmed. Many are just what are called fibroadenomas, a benign clump of cells. Professional tests are required in order to know for sure.

Be particularly aware of any lumps which change in size. Cancer is a malignant, uncontrolled growth of cells in tissue. As such, cancer tumors don't remain static but increase in size and, later, may spread to other parts of the body.

Continue the tactile exam by raising the arms overhead and applying pressure all the way from the breastbone up to the armpit again. Repeat for the other side and breast.

Perform the procedure again while lying down, first with the arms lowered, then raised overhead. Again try to feel any changes, especially tissue which has become hard. The procedure can be repeated in the shower in order to lower friction on the skin, but it can sometimes be difficult to find changes or lumps with water beating on your skin. Try baby oil instead.

Any woman over age 20 should be performing regular breast self-exams, while those over 40 should get a mammogram at least annually.