(HealthDay News) -- A monthly breast self-exam can help you identify any changes or abnormalities early, which could lead to a better chance of successful breast cancer treatment.

The American Cancer Society offers these guidelines for performing a breast self-exam:

• Lying down with your right arm behind your head, use the middle three fingers on your left hand to look for abnormalities using a small, circular motion.
• Alternate between using light, medium and firm pressure.
• Continue the exam moving up and down in imaginary lines on your breast, making sure that you examine all areas of the breast, chest and underarm.
• Repeat the exam with your other hand and other breast.
• Stand up and examine your breasts in the mirror, also raising your arms to inspect underarms.
• Look for any changes in the size, shape or color of the skin, including redness, scaling or dimpling.