Breast self-examination. View of the torso of a naked woman manually inspecting her breast during a self-examination. It is recommended that woman regularly palpate (examine by touch) their breasts in order to detect early breast cancer, tumours or cysts. The procedure should start with a visual examination for changes in breast shape and surface texture. Following this, careful palpation using the fingers and the flat of a hand run over each breast to under the arm will test the tissue more closely for lumps. The early detection and treatment of breast abnormalities gives a better chance of a cure.