Breast Self Exam
When you practice enough to know how your breasts normally feel, you will be able to feel for change quicker and easier. Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
All women age 20 and over should practice monthly BSE. Most breast lumps are found while performing a BSE and often are not cancerous.
The best time to perform a BSE is after a menstrual cycle when breasts are not tender or swollen. Women who do not have regular menstrual cycles or sometimes skip a month should perform it on the same day every month. Women who have entered menopause, are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have silicon implants should continue to examine their breasts once a month. Breast-feeding mothers should examine their breasts when all milk has been expressed.
For added safety, check your breasts while standing in front of a mirror. Check for any changes in the way your breasts look: dimpling of the skin; changes in the nipple; redness; or swelling.
A monthly breast self-exam (BSE) can help save your breast and your life.
E-mail FGH OnCall or call us at 1-800-844-4445 for more information about BSE.
