The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. A breast self-exam may help, although the most effective tools to detect breast cancer are mammography and clinical breast exam by your health professional. In fact, women who perform regular breast self-exams find 90% of all breast masses.

What Is a Breast Self-Exam and Why Should I Do It?

The breast self-exam is a way that you can check your breasts for changes (such as lumps or thickenings) that may signal breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected in its early stages, your chances for surviving the disease are greatly improved. While 80% of all breast lumps are not cancerous, you can help catch potentially serious changes in the breast early by regularly performing a self-exam.

When Should I Perform a Breast Self-Exam?

It is good to start performing breast self exams in your 20's. You should examine your breasts once a month, three to five days after your menstrual period ends. If you have stopped menstruating, perform the exam on the same day of each month, such as the first day of the month or a day easy for you to remember, such as your birth date. With each exam, you will become familiar with the contours and feel of your breasts, and will be more alert to changes.