HOW TO EXAMINE YOUR BREASTS

Each month (7 days after your period is the best time), conduct the following simple self-exam. Be sure to report any changes or irregularities to your doctor immediately. Also don't forget to schedule a regular mammogram.

Lying Down
Gently squeeze the nipple of each breast. Check for any discharge, clear or bloody. Report any lumps, thickenings or discharge you discover during the examination to your doctor immediately.

Lying Down
With fingers flat, use left hand to press an imaginary clock face on your right breast. Check for lumps or depressions (hollows). A ridge of firm tissue in lower curve is normal. Move in an inch toward nipple and make the same circling motion again and again until you reach the center. Repeat with right hand, left breast. (Be sure to press firmly).

Lying Down
To examine your right breast, place a pillow or folded towel under right shoulder and lay your right hand on your forehead, elbow bent and slightly forward. This distributes breast tissue more evenly on your chest. Move your hand down and then up all around the area shown. Repeat on other side.

Before a Mirror
Now raise your arms overhead. Look for changes in the contour of each breast as well as swelling, and dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple.

Before a Mirror
With your hands at your sides, visually check for lumps, depressions (hollows). Then, placing palms on hips, press down firmly, flex your chest muscles and check again. Don't worry if your breasts don't match - chances are they will be a little different.

In the Shower
Stand in the shower and with fingers flat (do not use the tips of your fingers) move your hand gently over every part of each breast, in a circular motion. Check for a lump, knot or thickening. use right hand for left breast, left hand for right breast.
*Source: St. Paul Public Health

WHAT IS A MAMMOGRAM?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.
It can find a lump almost two years before you or your doctor can feel it.
A mammogram is safe.
It might feel uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes.
It is the best test for finding breast cancer early.

FREE MAMMOGRAMS

Free mammograms are available through the Missouri Department of Health for information click here or call 1-800-227-2345 and for Illinois Department of Health information click here or call 1-888-522-1282.

KNOW BREAST CANCER WARNING SIGNALS

1. Check nipples for cysts, eczema, ulcers, discharge, bleeding, change in shape or location.
   
2. Check breast shape for change in size or contour, bulges, flattening, indentations (including arm pit area).
   
3. Check breast surface for puckering skin, dimples, bulges, moles that have enlarged or darkened, lumps or thickening sores.

REFERENCES

Missouri Department of Health 573-522-2845
Illinois Women's Health-Line 1-888-522-1282
American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345
Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER
African American Breast Cancer Alliance 612-825-3675

This guide is not intended as a replacement for professional care. For an annual exam, diagnosis and treatment, see your health care provider.