Basic Facts
Breast Anatomy
Cancer Biology
Staging of Breast Cancer
ACS Guidelines
Self Breast Exam
Screening Mammograms
Healthy Lifestyle
Healthy Lifestyle
Diagnosis
Surgical Oncology
Surgical Oncology
Medical Oncology
Radiation Therapy
Follow Up Care
Self Care and Recovery
Other Topics
Guide Glossary
 Basic Facts about Breast Cancer

Examining Your Breast

All women should check their breasts for lumps, thicknesses, or other changes every month. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. If a change should happen in your breasts, you will be able to identify it and let your doctor know.

Breast Self Exam

USE THE SHOWER CHECK

  1. Check your breasts about one week after your period.
  2. Press firmly with the pads of your fingers. Move your left hand over your right breast in a circle. Make sure to check all over and include the armpit.
  3. Now check your left breast with your right hand in the same way.
You should also look at your breast in a mirror. Look for any changes in how your breasts look.

If you find any lumps, thickenings, or changes, tell your doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but you don't know if you don't ask. Breast cancer may be successfully treated if you find it early.

This information was contributed by the American Cancer Society. For more information from the American Cancer Society, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or at the ACS website at www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society believes the use of mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination, offers women the best opportunity for reducing the breast cancer death rate through early detection. This combined approach is clearly better than any one examination. The American Cancer Society does not recommend relying solely on any of these methods.