Breast self-examination

Breast self-examination (BSE) involves checking your breasts to help detect breast problems or changes. Many breast problems are first discovered by women themselves, often by accident. Breast lumps can be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Breast cancer can occur at any age, though it is most common in women older than 50. Therefore, monthly breast self-exams should always include visual inspection in front of a mirror to note any changes in contour or texture of the breast, skin or nipples, and manual inspection in standing and reclining positions to note any unusual lumps or thicknesses. If you choose to do breast self-examinations, this should not replace regular clinical breast examinations (CBE) by a health professional and mammograms if you are older than age 40. Breast implants do not decrease a woman's risk for breast cancer, so women with breast implants need to talk with their health professionals about performing breast self-examinations.