The ACS recommends a Breast Cancer Self Exam (BSE) monthly and posts directions you can read at this link here.   There are some additional options though for the BSE that may be worth taking a look at that are reported to make the BSE easier:

Mark for Life T-Shirt
This t-shirt shows wearers exactly how to do a BSE; simply follow the arrows.  T-shirts are based on bra size and come with instructions and a washproof pen to record suspicious bumps or changes.  You can check them out at Mark for Life or ring them up at 877-512-5433.

FaRose and Fenomenole breast self-exam scented oils
This helps your fingers slide over your skin (or your partners ;-)  ) for easy exams.   You can check the FaRose oil out at ZenMomma, 877-804-4749 or the Fenomenole oil at Bath By Bettijo, 877-528-1584.

The Aware Breast Self-Exam Pad
This FDA approved pad has liquid sealed between two sheets of plastic and, when pressed to the breast, it actually reduces the resistance between the fingers doing the exam and the breast being examined to give a better feel for lumps or changes.  You can see them at Aware BSE, 800-854-3002.

MammoPad by BioLucent, Inc
The FDA approved MammoPad takes some of the discomfort and pain out of a mammogram.  Sitting between the breast and the mammography machine it reduces discomfort by half researchers claim.  The pads aren’t available in stores, but you can check the MammoPad web site or call 866-460-4141 to see which mammography centers use them.

(Source material for this article came from USA Weekend Magazine, p. 13, January 13-15 2006 edition, author Karen J. Bannan)