Health Tip: Examining Your Breasts

What you should look for during a self-exam

(HealthDay News) -- Women should regularly examine their breasts for any signs of change or a problem. However, a self-exam should never take the place of a mammogram or doctor's examination.

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The best time to examine your breasts is when they are not tender or swollen -- such as several days after your period. Here's a list of potential warning signs, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:

• Any change in the way your breasts look or feel.
• Differences in texture, color, shape, or size.
• Any knot or lump in your breast or under your arm.
• Any change or abnormality in the nipple.
• Any pain, swelling, soreness or redness.
• Warmness in the breast, a rash, or nipple discharge (not breast milk).

-- Diana Kohnle