Mammography

Have a screening mammogram yearly beginning at age 40.

Clinical Breast Examination

Have a yearly clinical breast examination by a health professional beginning at age 40.

Breast self-examination starting by age 20 women should examine their breasts monthly. Breast self-examination is a good routine health habit that can help you know how your breasts feel normally. Any changes that are found should be reported to your health-care professional. Remember, most breast lumps are not cancer. If you are having monthly periods, examine your breasts seven days after the start of your period. If you are no longer having periods, pick a day of the month that is easy to remember and examine your breasts on that day each month.
Follow these three steps when you examine your breasts:

1. In front of the mirror, look at your breasts with your arms raised overhead. Look for any change in the shape of your breast or in the skin. Then, rest your palms on your hips and press down firmly to flex your chest muscles. You should be looking for any change in shape, dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, or redness of the skin. Gently squeeze each nipple, looking for any unusual discharge.
2. Lie down and put a pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head. Use the finger pads on your middle three fingers on your left hand to feel your right breast. Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. Move around the breast in a set pattern. You can choose either the circle, up and down line, or the wedge. Do it the same way every time. It will help you to make sure that you have gone over the entire breast area and to remember how your breast feels. Now examine your left breast the same way using your right hand. Remember to cover the entire breast area including under your arm. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal.
3. Use this same examination pattern when you are in an upright position while in the shower or tub. Your hands will move over your wet skin making it easy to check how your breasts feel.