MODEL RELEASED. Breast self-examination. A woman inspects her breasts with her hand and fingers for any underlying disease, cysts or tumours. Such manual inspection conducted regularly is recommended to women as a method of detecting early breast cancer. The procedure should start with a visual examination for changes in breast shape and surface texture. Following this, careful palpation using the flat of a hand run over each breast to under the arm will test the tissue more closely for lumps. Lymph nodes in the armpit might also become swollen. Early detection and treatment of breast abnormalities gives better chance of a cure.