Regular (monthly) breast self-exams can save your life!
Why do the breast self-exam?
Breast self-exams are easy to do, as shown below. The more you do it, the better you will get at it.
Remember: When you get to know how your breasts normally feel, you will quickly be able to feel any change, and early detection is the key to successful treatment. A breast self-exam could save your breast — and save your life. Most breast lumps are found by women themselves. But most lumps in the breast are not cancer. To be safe, be sure.
When to do a breast self-exam
The best time to do a breast self-exam is right after your period, when breasts are not tender or swollen. If you do not have regular periods or sometimes skip a month, do it on the same day every month. For example, if your birthday is on the 23rd of May, it might be easier to remember to do your breast self-exam on the 23rd of each month.
How to do the breast self-exam
Use the illustrations below and the supplemental checklist to examine your breasts each month:
Information and graphics courtesy of The American Cancer Society.
