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While there isn't a surefire way to prevent the emergence of breast cancer, there are a number of ways to detect it early and treat it on time. One of these ways is a breast self-exam, which everybody can do in the comfort of their own home.

A breast self-exam may not be able to detect cancer in its earliest stages like a mammogram can, but doing it once a month familiarizes you with the look and feel of your breasts so that any changes are immediately apparent. Once you find a change, you can go to a doctor for a mammogram and further examinations.

If you're unsure of how to do a breast self-exam, here are three ways you can do it.

1. In the bathroom

You can check your breasts before or after taking a shower. What you can do is to take the pads of your three middle fingers and press down with increasingly firmer pressure on your entire breast and armpit area. Be sure to check if there are any lumps, knots, hardening, or any changes to your breast.

2. In front of a mirror

Look at your breasts in front of a mirror with your arms by your side and then with your arms raised up. You need to see if there are changes with your nipples or if there is any swelling or changes in the contour of your breasts. Check if the skin around the area is dimpling as well.

Once you're done with that, put your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles and check for the same dimpling, swelling, puckering, or any other changes with your breasts.

3. On your back

Put a pillow under your right shoulder and rest your right arm behind your head. Now use the pads of the fingers of your left hand to press down on your right breast and armpit area with increasingly firmer pressure. Aside from checking for any lumps, knots, and hardening, squeeze your nipple to check for any lumps or discharges. Once you're done with your right breast, repeat the same steps with your left breast.

Detecting changes in your breasts can mean life or death, as early detection of breast cancer allows your doctor to prepare a treatment plan that can increase your chances of surviving the disease.

If you're looking for inspiration in fighting this disease, check out celebrities who've successfully survived breast cancer in the gallery below.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.