About one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. While most breast cancers are found in women who are older than 50, breast cancer also affects younger women. About 11 percent of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. All adult women are encouraged by the National Breast Cancer Organization to conduct self-check breast exams on a monthly basis. In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, here are the five steps to conduct your own exam and what to look for when checking.

Step 1: Looking for even shaping, normal coloring and no swelling of the breasts, stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders apart and hands on your hips. Take note of any dimpling, 
puckering or bulging of the skin, in addition to redness, soreness, rashes 
or swelling.

Step 2: Secondly, raise your arms and look for the aforementioned changes.

Step 3: During steps one and two, check for any fluid coming out of one or both nipples.

Step 4: Next feel your breasts while lying down, using your left hand to feel your right breast and vice versa. Keep your fingers flat and together while moving them in a firm, smooth circular motion across your entire breast. Check for all 
abnormalities listed in step one.

Step 5: Finally, repeat step four while sitting or standing, making sure to cover the entire breast.