Prevention

Self Breast Exam

Step 1: Begin the self breast exam by looking at your breasts in the mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

What you should look for:

breasts are a usual size, shape, and color
evenly shaped breasts without visible distortion or swelling

Step 2: Then, raise your arms and look for the same changes.

Step 3: While still at the mirror, look for any fluids coming out of one or both of the nipples.

Step 4: Feel your breasts while lying down, use your right hand to feel your left breast and your left hand to feel your right breast. Keep your fingers flat and together using a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Make sure to cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side.

Step 5: Lastly, feel your breasts while you are standing or sitting. Many women find that it is easier to feel their breast when their skin is wet so they like to do this step in the shower. Cover your breast using the same hand movements in step 4.

Mammogram

There are two types of mammograms: film-screen mammography and digital mammography. The American College of Radiology recommends annual mammograms for women over 40. If you are at a high risk for breast cancer, doctors recommend you begin getting mammograms at the age of 30.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests are given to those that have been experiencing symptoms or because of screening test results. An example of a diagnostic test is a biopsy which removes tissue from the area of concern.