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Monthly Breast Self-Examinations

BREAST CANCER FACTS

• All women are at risk for breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is one of the leading cancer killers of women.
• 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85.
• More than 46,000 women die yearly.
• Cure rates are very high when breast cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

The American Cancer Society suggests all women over the age of 20 should examine their breasts once a month.  The best way for women to discover a lump early is to take the time to know her own breasts and to examine them monthly for signs of change. Most changes do not mean cancer.  A woman who discovers a lump or other changes should talk to her doctor or midwife right away.

The best time to do breast self-examination is right after your period. This is the time that your breasts are least tender. During pregnancy, we suggest you pick some meaningful day of the month (such as the first day of each month).

Self-examination procedure:

1.      In the shower or tub:

• Put one hand behind your head.
• With fingers flat (do not use fingertips), move your hand over the entire breast area.
• You can use any of the three ways below to examine your breasts.

Use the same method each time.
*Check for lumps, knots, or thickenings

2.      Before a mirror:

• With your hands at your sides, check for lumps or dimplings.
• Then raise arms above your head.  Look for changes in the shape or size of your breasts or changes in the skin texture.

3.      Lying down:

• Place a pillow or a towel under your right shoulder and your right hand behind your head.
• Follow the same technique as in shower.  Remember to use right hand for left breast; left hand for right breast.  Check for lumps, knots, or thickenings.
• Finally, gently squeeze the nipple on each breast, checking for crust or discharge.

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004