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For Good Health & Peace of Mind - Q&AThe American Cancer Society recommends a monthly breast self-exam for womenage 20 and older. It’s important to continue breast self-exams (BSEs) throughout yourlife, even during pregnancy, after menopause, or following any type of breast surgeryor implants.Why Should I Examine My Breasts?A woman knows best how her breasts normally look andfeel and is therefore able to detect changes early. Themajority of lumps that can be felt are found by womenthemselves. This exam takes only a few minutes eachmonth, and can help save your life by finding breastcancer early, when it is most curable.When is the Best Time for Me toExamine My Breasts?Breast self-exams should be performed once a month,5-7 days after your menstrual period ends. This allows awoman to examine her breasts when they are least tenderor swollen. If you have reached menopause, have had ahysterectomy or are pregnant, choose a day that is easyto remember and do a self-exam on that day monthlythereafter. If you are taking birth control pills, performthe exam the first day of your new packet.What Should I Do If I Find a Lump or OtherChange In My Breast?Call your personal physician for an evaluation andmedical opinion. Remember: Most breast lumps areharmless, but all need medical evaluation. Have yourself-exam technique checked by your physician at thetime of your regular check-up. If your doctor does notexamine your breasts during a routine physical, ask forthis to be done. Also, ask your physician to point outareas that may require special attention during yourmonthly self-exam. Although breast cancer cannot beprevented, survival is better when it is detected early andproperly treated. Let monthly breast self-exams becomea habit.When Do I Need a Mammogram?Many women have regular pap smears and checkups yetare unaware they may need a mammogram. According tothe American Cancer Society, women age 40 and oldershould get an annual screening mammogram even if theyappear to show no breast symptoms. This is a generalguideline. Your doctor may advise a different scheduledepending on your personal or family health history.Most women who get breast cancer have no risk factorsexcept age. As a woman gets older, her risk increases.Women who may have an increased risk:• Have a sister, mother or daughter who has had breastcancer.• Have had previous breast cancer.• Have never had children or have their first child afterage 30.• Began menstruating at an early age or went throughmenopause late.page 10 | www.msha.com/imaging
Breast Self-ExaminationWhile Lying Down• To examine the right breast,place your right arm overyour head (this distributesbreast tissue evenly). Placea folded towel or pillowbeneath the shoulder.• With your left hand, use theflat part of your fingers to press gently but firmlyin small circular motions around entire breast andinward toward the nipple.• Many women feel a firm ridge of tissue underneaththeir breasts. This is usually normal and commonlyfeels the same on both sides. Some women havenaturally lumpy breasts and should record the areasof thickening.• Examine the area between the breast and armpit, aswell as the armpit itself.• Depress your nipple. Normally the area behind thenipple feels hollow and soft. This area should feelsimilar in both breasts.• Repeat this procedure on your left breast, usingyour right hand.In the Tub or Shower• Continue to use the samecircular motions. The soap andwater will allow your handsto glide more smoothly overyour skin. Check for lumps orunusual thickenings.• With the right arm raised, use the flat pads of yourfingers from your left hand and reach up highand deep. Feel the area between the breast andthe armpit, as well as the armpit itself. Repeat onopposite side.• Check the area above and below your collarbone forthickness, lumps and swelling.In Front of a MirrorIn good light, turn side toside in these positions:1. Relax arms at sides.2. Place hands on hipsand press down on hipbones.3. Clasp hands behindhead with elbows pulledback.4. Place hands on waistand bend forward sobreasts hang.In each position, look for:• Nipple change (inverted, flattened, crustyappearance)• Nipple discharge• Puckering or dimpling• Change in breast shape, contour or size• Scaling, redness, rash, sores or unusual texture• Anything that is unusual or causes you concernFor the Mastectomy PatientContinue monthly self-exams for the remaining breast.Look in the mirror for redness, scaliness or rash. Payparticular attention to the scar line. Feel betweeneach rib and over the breast bone for thickness, lumpsand swelling. Remember to feel under both arms andabove and below collarbones.www.msha.com/imaging | page 11
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