Breast Self Exam

1. Breast Self Exam Early Detection is the Key www.operationpinkbag.org

2. Taking Care of YOU The best gift you can give to yourself and your family is a healthy YOU. www.operationpinkbag.org

3. Three Steps to Early Detection 1. Mammogram- yearly starting at age 40 - American Cancer Society recommends yearly breast self exams beginning at age 20. www.operationpinkbag.org

4. Three Steps to Early Detection 2. Clinical Breast Examination- Yearly by your Health Care Provider www.operationpinkbag.org

5. Three Steps to Early Detection 3. Breast Self Exam (BSE)- Monthly www.operationpinkbag.org

6. When to contact your Doctor or Health Care Provider • Anytime you notice changes in your breasts. • Changes that continue even after your period is over to include: • Nipple discharge or skin changes • Breast tenderness unrelated to your period • Lump www.operationpinkbag.org

7. When to Perform an Exam • Monthly • 6-7 days after your menstrual period ends • If you no longer have a menstrual period, choose a certain day and do your exam at the same time each month. www.operationpinkbag.org

8. Breast Self Exam (BSE) • The key to BSE is knowing what is “normal” in your breasts: • Textures (how the breasts feel) that are present each month. • Visual (how the breasts look) characteristics of your breasts that are normal for you. • Areas of pain or tenderness that are part of your monthly cycle. www.operationpinkbag.org

9. Breast Self Exam (BSE) • Once you know what is “normal”, you will be able to notice when there is a change. • If you identify a change in your breast call your Health Care Provider to perform a complete examination of your breasts. www.operationpinkbag.org

10. Steps for Breast Self Exam • Visual • Standing/Sitting Upright • Lying down www.operationpinkbag.org

11. Technique • Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers, perform a circular motion with your fingers. • Make a dime-sized circle in each area of your breast. www.operationpinkbag.org

12. Technique • Starting in your armpit, do an exam using vertical strips, up and down, across the entire breasts. • Make a circle in each area on your breast along the vertical lines. www.operationpinkbag.org

13. Visual Examination • While looking in the mirror • Put your arms above your head • Put your arms out to the side • Put your arms on your waist and lean forward • Changes to look for: • Dimples • Nipple changes • Redness • Leathery looking skin www.operationpinkbag.org

14. Upright Examination • In the shower or in front of the mirror • Perform the exam • From the breast bone, to the armpit • From the collarbone to the ribs www.operationpinkbag.org

15. Lying Down Examination • Perform the same exam when lying down • Use 3 fingers • Move from armpit to breast bone in a vertical strip pattern • At each area, use a circular motion to feel the breast www.operationpinkbag.org

16. When to Contact Your Doctor • Anytime you notice changes in your breasts • Changes that continue even after your period is over • Nipple discharge or skin changes • Breast tenderness unrelated to your period • Lump www.operationpinkbag.org

17. Remember to schedule your annual screening Mammogram if you’re 40 or older! www.operationpinkbag.org