Breast Self-Examination

It is important to become familiar with your breasts. You should know how your breasts normally look and feel so that if any changes occur you can report them to your doctor right away. No matter what age group you are in, breast self-exams are a vital part of detecting breast cancer early. If you are not familiar with how to do a self-exam, ask your doctor or nurse to show you how to conduct one, or get tips online.

You should perform a breast self exam once a month. The best time to conduct your self examination is several days after your period. If you have experienced menopause, choose a day of the month that is easy to remember.

Some women find it helpful to keep a record of their self-exams. You can keep track and make notes about your findings. Keeping a journal can also help you distinguish the difference between what feels normal to you and what doesn't.

One step at a time: Give yourself the exam.

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