How to do Breast Self-Exam

Published by the American Cancer Society

All women should check their breasts for lumps, thicknesses, or other changes every month. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. If a change should happen in your breasts, you will be able to identify it and let your doctor know.

Use The Shower Check

1. Check your breasts about one week after your period.
   
   
2. Press firmly with the pads of your fingers. Move your left hand over your right breast in a circle, Make sure to check all over and include the armpit.
   
   
3. Now check your left breast with your right hand in the same way.
   
   

You should also look at your breasts in a mirror. Look for any changes in how your breasts look.

If you find any lumps, thickenings, or changes, tell your doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but you don't know if you don't ask. Breast cancer may be successfully treated if you find it early.

If you ate concerned about breast cancer and would like to talk to a breast cancer survivor, call I-800-ACS-2345.

The American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer:

If you are age 40 and over:

• Have a mammogram every year
  
  
• Have a clinical breast exam by your health care provider every year
  
  
• Do a breast self-exam each month
  
  

If you are age 20 to 39:

• Have a clinical breast exam by your health care provider at least every three years
  
  
• Do a breast self-exam each month
  
  

Ask your health care provider to teach you the proper way to do a thorough breast self-exam.

If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, discuss mammography screening guidelines with your health care provider. For more information about breast cancer, call toll free anytime (800) ACS-2345 or on the Internet at: www.cancer.org