- Lie on your back; use the pads of your middle three fingers to make small circles, moving up about a finger's width at a time in a line. The pads-from your last knuckle to the tip of your finger-are most sensitive.

- Check everywhere there can be breast tissue, from your bra line to your collarbone, and from the middle of your chest to your armpit.

- Use different pressures. A light touch can help you feel lumps near the surface; medium and deep pressure will help you feel all the way to your chest wall.