Early detection is the best tool we have for beating any type of cancer. For women, early detection is the most important key in surviving Breast Cancer. Our job as physicians is not only keeping your healthy, it’s also educating you on preventive care. A breast self-exam should be part of your normal health routine.
How to do a Self-Exam
All women, starting at the age of 20, should perform a breast self-exam once a month. During the exam, check your breast for lumps, thickness, and skin changes such as dimpling or puckering. By examining your breast regularly you will begin to know how your breast normally feel and therefore will be able to recognize any changes.
If you do feel any changes, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Using the Shower Check:
Check your breast about one week after your menstrual cycle.
- While in the shower, put you left arm behind your head.
- Moving your right hand over your left breast in a circle, press firmly with the pads of your fingers checking for lumps, knots, or thickness.
- Using the instructions above, check you left breast using your right hand.
After completing you breast self-exam you should also look at your breast in the mirror. Look for any changes in size and skin texture.
| Breast Cancer Self-Exam Guidelines |
| Screenings |
Age 20-39 |
Age 40 and over |
| Have a Mammogram each year |
No |
Yes |
| Perform a breast self-exam each month |
Yes |
Yes |
| Clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider at least every year |
|
Yes |
If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss breast screening guidelines with your healthcare provider.
For more information about breast cancer:
Visit
www.cancer.org
Or contact the American Cancer Society at
1(800) ACS-2345
