How do I perform a self-exam?

Finding breast cancer early gives you your best chance at survival. Women ages 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam every three years, and women 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam and a mammogram yearly.

In addition to regular mammograms and clinical screenings, women ages 20 and up should perform a monthly breast self-exam. You know your breasts best, so if anything looks or feels unusual, see your doctor right away.

When examining your breasts, be on the lookout for these symptoms:

• A lump, hard knot or thickening in any part of the breast.
• Unusual swelling, redness, warmth or darkening that doesn't go away.
• Changes in the shape or size of your breast.
• An itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin of your breast.
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of your breast.
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly.
• Pain in one spot that does not vary with your monthly cycle.

Learn to perform a breast self-exam.