STEP 1 - Have regular mammograms. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Modern mammography equipment and techniques expose women to only minimal amounts of radiation. Two x-rays are taken of each breast during mammography-one from above and one from side-to-side. A radiologist then reads the mammogram to see if it shows any suspicious areas. It is important that you have regular mammograms. Beginning at age 40, have a mammogram every year. Remember, breast x-rays find cancers too small to be felt by hand; that is why it is the most effective tool in finding breast cancers early. STEP 2 - See your health care professional for regular clinical (physical) examinations. It is important to see your health care professional for a breast exam. He or she is trained to detect lumps and irregularities that you might miss with your own breast self-exam techniques. You should see your health care professional for a clinical breast exam at least every three years between the ages of 20 and 39. Beginning at age 40, have an exam every year. STEP 3 - Do your own breast self-exam (BSE) each month. There are many good reasons for doing a breast self-exam each month. One reason is that it is easy to do and the more you do it, the better you will get at it. 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. REMEMBER: Most breast lumps are found by women themselves, but in fact, most lumps in the breast are not cancer. The best time to do breast self-exam is right after your period, when breast are not tender or swollen. If you do not have regular periods or sometimes skip a month, do it the same day every month. KNOW YOUR BODY. DO BREAST SELF-EXAM. In front of a mirror Look carefully at both breasts with arms at your sides. Then raise your arms overhead, pressing palms together. Put hand on hips, moving arms and shoulders forward. Press down firmly. Look for any change from what is normal for you-swelling, dimpling or any change in the nipple, or shape of your breast. Lying down Place a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. This flattens the breast and makes it easier to examine. Put your right hand behind your head. Use the flat part of three fingers of your left hand. Begin at the top of your right breast. Press firmly in small circular motions. Move fingers clockwise around the outer circle of the breast, returning to your starting point. Move fingers down about 1" toward the nipple and start a second circle. Using this technique, make as many circles as necessary to examine every part of the breast, including the entire underarm area. Using the same three fingers press nipple inward, feeling for lumps or anything that doesn't feel normal. Use these same simple steps to examine your other breast. In the shower or tub Soapy fingers glide over wet skin. Use right hand to examine left breast, left hand for right breast. Thoroughly examine from the breast area to the neck, shoulder, and underarm areas. Press firmly with flat part of three fingers (as shown). Check for a change such as a lump or thickening. EARLY DETECTION TOOLS 1. Mammography (Breast X-Ray) When: Beginning at age 40, have an annual mammogram. Why: This breast x-ray finds cancers too small to be detected by hand. Mammography is the most effective tool in finding early breast cancers. 2. Clinical (Physical) Examination When: Ages 20-39, at least every three years. After age 40, every year. Why: Examination by a trained health care professional is your best protection along with mammography and monthly BSE. 3. Breast Self-Examination(BSE) When: (age 20 and over) Every month. 7-10 days after the first day of your period. After change of life (menopause) or hysterectomy-on the same day of each month. Why: Being familiar with your own breast tissue allows you to detect change. Most breast lumps are found by women themselves. Early detected cancer has a good chance of cure. Early diagnosis and treatment may save your breast and your life. FOR PROPER BREAST HEALTH Remember...... Knowledge about early detection reduces fear and puts you in control of your health. Bumping, bruising, and caressing do not cause cancer. One out of every eight American women will develop breast cancer sometime during her lifetime. Report any changes in your breast to your health care provider. Most breast lumps or changes are not cancer. YOUR BSE CALENDAR Jan. Feb. Mar. BSE Date: BSE Date: BSE Date: April May June BSE Date: BSE Date: BSE Date: July August Sept. BSE Date: BSE Date: BSE Date: Oct. Nov. Dec.. BSE Date: BSE Date: BSE Date:

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