Support for You

Breast Self-Awareness (BSA)

1. Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you

• See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
• Lump, hard knot, or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake

Steps to Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Step 1:  Look for Changes

In front of the mirror:

• Hold your arms at your side
• Hold your arms over your head
• Press your hands on your hips and tighten your chest muscles
• Bend forward with your hands on your hips


Step 2:  Feel for Changes

Lying down:

• Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder
• Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast
• Press using light, medium, and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin
• Follow an up and down pattern
• Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone, and in your armpit
• Repeat on your left breast using your right hand

Step 2 can be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

Studies have shown that BSE used alone does not decrease mortality rates.  Get a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.  Susan G. Komen for the Cure® does not provide medical advice.