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Breast Self-Exam
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View an interactive tool on Breast Self-Exam at Komen.org.
Available in English, Spanish and Hindi |
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Just as your period ends (or at the same time every
month if you do not have periods), check for any change in the normal
look or feel of your breasts. Report any changes to your health care
provider. Go for regular breast exams and ask about a mammogram.
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STEP
1: LYING DOWN
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Lie down on your back with a pillow
under your right shoulder
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Use the pads of the three middle fingers
on your left hand to check your right breast
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Press using light, medium and firm
pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin
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Follow an up and down pattern (or
circular)
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Feel for changes in your breast, above
and below your collarbone and in your armpit
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Repeat on your left breast using your
right hand
These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy
hands.
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STEP 2: IN FRONT OF A
MIRROR
Look for any changes from normal. Inspect
your breasts in four steps:
- Hold arms at your side
- Hold arms over your head
- Press your hands on your hips and
tighten your chest muscles
- Bend forward with your hands on your
hips
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Know Breast Cancer's Warning
Signals
See your health care provider
if you notice any of these things in your breast:
- Lump, hard knot or
thickening
- Swelling, warmth,
redness or darkening
- Change in the size or
shape
- Dimpling or puckering
of the skin
- Itchy, scaly sore or
rash on the nipple
- Pulling in of the
nipple or other parts
- Nipple discharge that
starts suddenly
- New pain in one spot
that does not go away
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
recommends the following:
- Mammograms every year
starting at age 40
- Women under 40 with a
family history of breast cancer or other concerns should talk with a
health care provider. Screening tests may be needed more often and/or
started earlier.
- Clinical breast exams
by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20, and
every year after 40
- Breast self-exams
every month starting at age 20
This guide is not intended as a replacement
for professional care. For complete diagnosis and treatment, see your health
care provider.
Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc.
111 W. 11th St., Suite 3,
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 778-1102 or Toll Free: 1-866-312-DBCC
E-mail:
dbcc@debreastcancer.org;
Web:
www.debreastcancer.org