Breast Health

It is recommended that women do a monthly breast self exam. While some argue that young women (aged 18-21) need not check their breasts monthly, we recommend this monthly exam in order for you to be familiar with your breast shape and feel. In the case of future abnormalities, you will be more likely to determine lumps or bumps that weren't present the month before. 

It is a good idea to examine yourself several days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender. Many women have some lumps or lumpy areas in their breasts all the time. What's important is that you get to know the look and feel of your breasts so you will notice if something changes. (Does it feel pebbly? Like a rock on a sandy beach? Is there a dimple in the skin that you never noticed before? Redness or a rash?) 

If you do find something unusual, try not to panic. Eight out of ten breast lumps are cysts or benign (non-cancerous) masses. However, if you notice anything unusual during the monthly breast self exam, a healthcare provider should be consulted because early intervention is the key to breast health.

If you have never had a breast exam or conducted a self-breast exam, review these BSE illustrated directions.