Breast Self-Examination (BSE) - Perform once every month!
1. Lie down and put a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head.
2. Use the finger pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps or thickening. Your finger pads are the top third of each finger.
3. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. If you're not sure how hard to press, ask your health care provider or try to copy the way your health care provider uses the finger pads during a breast exam. Learn what your breast feels like most of the time. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.
4. Move around the breast in a set way. You can choose either the circle (A), the up and down line (B), or the wedge (C). Do it the same way every time. It will help you to make sure that you've gone over the entire breast area, and to remember how your breast feels.
5. Now examine your left breast using right hand finger pads.
6. If you find any changes, see your doctor right away. You should also check your breasts while standing in front of the mirror. See if there are any changes in the way your breasts look: dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple or redness and swelling. You might also want to do a breast self-exam while you're in the shower. Your soapy hands will glide over the wet skin, making it easy to check how your breasts feel. Mammography and Examinations by a Physician
Breast Cancer affects as many women in their 40s as it does women 50 and over. As a result, the American Cancer Society® has revised its screening guidelines. The current recommendations are: Age 20 - 40: Monthly Self Examination Annual Exam by a Medical Professional Age 40 - through lifetime: Annual Mammogram Monthly Self Examination Annual Exam by a Medical Professional Related Links & Additional Resources:
American Cancer Society®: ACS:: Can Breast Cancer Be Found Early?
American Cancer Society®: ACS:: Role Of Breast Self-Examination Changes In Guidelines return back
Monthly Self Examination