WSR

Why should I perform monthly breast self-exams?

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

• talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
• ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
• have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
• know how your breasts look and feel and report any changes to your health care provider right away
• make healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and limiting alcohol intake

Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. BSE involves looking at and feeling your breasts. Women who practice BSE should also be sure to get mammograms and clinical breast exams at the appropriate age. BSE should not be substituted for these screening tests.

The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see.

You can download your own BSE card here.

If you notice any of these breast changes, see your health care provider right away:

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

When to Perform Your Breast Self-Exam

• Perform the exam each month about a week after your menstrual period ends.
• If you have reached menopause, examine your breasts on the same day each month, such as the first, fifteenth, or a day you'll remember.
• If you are pregnant, examine your breasts on the same day each month.
• If you have had a hysterectomy and have monthly breast changes (ie, swelling or tenderness), examine your breasts on the day these changes disappear: If you no longer have monthly breast changes, examine your breasts on the same day of each month.

Be sure to continue to have regular checkups. Have your self-examination techniques checked by your doctor or other health care professional.

Breast self-examination together with regular mammography and an annual clinical examination are your best assurance of early cancer detection.

(this information was collected from Susan G. Komen for the Cure and a handout provided by Ortho Women's Health & Urology)