Self Breast Examination
A breast self-exam is a monthly examination of your breasts to detect any changes that could be early warning signs of breast cancer. A monthly exam helps you to become more familiar with your natural breast changes and can help you detect unnatural changes. For menstruating women, the exam should be performed on the same day each month (the few days following your period are best) because changes in hormones due to your menstrual cycle can cause changes in the size, tenderness and consistency of your breasts. Your breasts are less likely to be enlarged and tender during the days following your period. For non-menstruating hormonal breast changes are not a factor and the exam can be conducted any time; self-examination on the first day of the month is easy to remember.

There are two parts of a self-breast exam: sight and touch. The sight portion of the exam is looking in the mirror to detect any change in the appearance of your breast (swelling, skin or nipple irritation, redness, scaly skin, dimpling, etc.). The touch portion of the exam is conducting a series of rubbing exercises to detect any growths or abnormalities inside your breast. Performing a self-exam each month with allow you to become familiar with the feeling of your breast and will make detecting abnormalities easier. Do not feel discouraged if you are not getting the "hang" of the exam; your breasts may feel naturally "lumpy" but a growth or abnormality will be noticeable. 

There are three methods of touch to use when conducting a self-breast exam, the circle, triangle and line. All methods can be performed either standing or lying flat on your back. Some women find it easier to conduct an exam in the bath or shower when the skin is wet and smooth with soap and water. If you are lying on your back, place a pillow under the shoulder of the breast you are examining with that arm raised above or under your head. If you are standing raise the arm of the breast you are examining above your head. Use the pads (not the tips) of your first three fingers to conduct the exam with one of the following methods:
 

	Circle: Start by gently moving your fingers in a large circle along the outside of the breast. When you reach the starting point move your fingers in a little towards the nipple and repeat the circular motion. Continue this pattern until you reach the nipple. This pattern ensures all areas of breast tissue are examined.
	Wedge: Start with your fingers on the outside of your breast and gently rub the area (the width of your fingers) in towards the nipple. Repeat this wedge-shaped pattern beside each examined section until you have covered the entire breast.
	Line: Starting at your underarm, move your fingers down towards the underside of your breast. Gently rub the underside of your breast moving your fingers along the contour of the breast and up the opposite side of the breast. Repeat this pattern, moving your fingers across your breast in a line closer to the nipple each time, until you have examined the entire breast.

Always remember to apply gentle pressure to the breast when examining. Never press too hard; the exam should NOT be painful. Remember to examine the upper chest area (above the breast) and the armpit area where breast tissue also exists. Call your physician if you notice any changes or lumps. Early detection can lead to successful treatment of serious breast diseases. 

Physician Exam
Your gynecologist will conduct a breast exam when you have your annual Pap smear and exam. The physician will use basically the same techniques you use during the self-breast exam to check your breasts for abnormalities. 

Mammogram
A mammogram is a special x-ray of your breast that allows your physician to examine the breasts interior for lumps, masses or other abnormalities. A base-line mammogram should be conducted at the age of 35 and every year after reaching age 40, when the risk of developing breast disease increases. If you have not had a mammogram this year, call A Women's Health and Pregnancy Center for an appointment with Dr. Bradley S. Logan or Dr. Janice B. Huckaby to discuss the need for a mammogram.