GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Knowledge of your body is key to good health.  If you don't know what you normally feel like, you won't be able to recognize signs of illness or infection.   Breast self-exams help us to feel more comfortable with our bodies and gives us a baseline of how we look and feel when we're healthy.  Self-exams also allow us to take action in protection ourselves from cancer and cysts, since with regular self-exams we are more knowledgeable about our bodies than health practitioners who examine us once a year.  Many women do not perform BSE for fear of finding something.  But even if you find something, 8 out of 10 times, it is nothing.  Since breast cancers found early and treated promptly are almost always cured, learning how to examine your breasts properly can help save your life.  However, BSE should be done in conjunction with annual exams by a physician and periodic mammograms (see below).

Breast Self-Exams (BSE)

Every women at age 20 should start conducting breast self-exams.  BSEs should be performed once a month after your menstrual period, when breasts aren't tender or swollen.  If you're not always regular, do it on the same day every month.  If this is your first BSE, ask your health practitioner for detailed instructions and so that you can be sure that what you feel is normal and healthy. 

Don't get upset if you feel some lumps or hardness; that's natural.   It is also normal if your breasts are not exactly the same size.

Aware BSE Kit

We are pleased to offer a Breast Self Examination Kit (recently approved by the FDA), called Aware™, that helps make BSE easy to do.  This kit contains the Aware™ self-examination pad, along with an instructional video and educational materials that together will give you the confidence and the ease in which to do a monthly at home breast self-examination.  The pad increases your sense of touch (it's like using soap and water but you now do not need to be in the shower), and the instructions are very easy to follow.  The pad also serves as a great reminder to conduct BSE each month.  We all make excuses for not doing BSE.  With Aware,   there is now no excuse for not taking ten minutes to do BSE each month.

For further product information, click on Aware™ now.

Below, you will find American Cancer Society's early detection and breast self-examination guidelines.

THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S GUIDELINES:

Guidelines for early detection:
Age 20+:
Check your breasts monthly
Age 20-39:
Have a health care professional check your breasts every 3 years.
Age 40 and over:
Have your first mammogram and continue to have one every year.
Have a health care professional check your breasts every year. 

How to Do the Breast Self-Exam by the American Cancer Society
	Lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right arm behind your head. 1.  Use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. 2.  Press firmly enough to know how your breast feels. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. 3.  Move around the breast in a circular, up and down line, or wedge pattern. Be sure to do it the same way every time, check the entire breast area, and remember how your breast feels from month to month. 4.  Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand. (Move the pillow to under your left shoulder.) 5.  If you find any changes, see your doctor right away. 6.  Repeat the examination of both breasts while standing, with your one arm behind your head. The upright position makes it easier to check the upper and outer part of the breasts (toward your armpit). This is where about half of breast cancers are found. You may want to do the standing part of the BSE while you are in the shower. 7.  Some breast changes can be felt more easily when your skin is wet and soapy. 8.  For added safety, you can check your breasts for any dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple, redness, or swelling while standing in front of a mirror right after your BSE each month. Important If you discover a lump, dimple, puckering or discharge during your breast exam, it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible.
	© 1994-1998, American Cancer Society

Mammography

Mammography is the single most effective method of early detection, since it can detect hidden or tiny cancers before they can be felt by you or your doctor.  Mammography is safe and painless and highly accurate in finding breast cancer.  However, it is not perfect and some lumps will be invisible to mammography, which may be due to breast density, faster growth rate or simply failing to recognize the small signs of an abnormality.  This is why you need to be vigilant in following all three steps (BSE, Mammography, Clinical Examinations) to finding breast cancer early.  Routine mammograms are recommended every year beginning at age forty.

Clinical Examination

A physical breast examination by your doctor or health professional is recommended every three years age 20-40 and every year beginning at age 40.  Backed by experience and knowledge, your health professional may be more likely to notice a subtle change and know the appropriate tests, if needed.  You should see your doctor without delay if you experience any unusual symptoms at any time.  Most breast lumps are not cancers, but only your doctor can determine this.  We want you to take control of your breast health.  

We want you to be aware, informed and not be afraid.  The best way to cure cancer is to detect it early.  Use all three steps -  Breast self-exam, Mammography and Clinical Exam to find breast cancer early.

For further information on the Breast Self Examination Kit, Aware™ and to place your order, select Aware™ now.

Note:  Aware is an aid to breast self-exams.  However, there is no claim that all or any breast abnormalities will be found with its use.  Aware should be used in conjunction with regular medical visits and periodic mammography.