Breast self-examination. Side view of a woman's hand manually inspecting her breasts during self- examination. Regular use of this technique of palpation (examination by touch) is recommended as a method of detecting 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. Early detection and treatment of breast abnormalities gives a better chance of a cure.