Early Detection is the Key Breast Self Exam Early Detection is the Key www.operationpinkbag.org

Taking Care of YOU The best gift you can give to yourself and your family is a healthy YOU. www.operationpinkbag.org

Three Steps to Early Detection 1. Mammogram- yearly starting at age 40 - American Cancer Society recommends yearly breast self exams beginning at age 20. www.operationpinkbag.org

Three Steps to Early Detection 2. Clinical Breast Examination- Yearly by your Health Care Provider www.operationpinkbag.org

Three Steps to Early Detection 3. Breast Self Exam (BSE)- Monthly www.operationpinkbag.org

When to contact your Doctor or Health Care Provider Anytime you notice changes in your breasts. Changes that continue even after your period is over to include: Nipple discharge or skin changes Breast tenderness unrelated to your period Lump www.operationpinkbag.org

When to Perform an Exam Monthly 6-7 days after your menstrual period ends If you no longer have a menstrual period, choose a certain day and do your exam at the same time each month. www.operationpinkbag.org

Breast Self Exam (BSE) The key to BSE is knowing what is “normal” in your breasts: Textures (how the breasts feel) that are present each month. Visual (how the breasts look) characteristics of your breasts that are normal for you. Areas of pain or tenderness that are part of your monthly cycle. www.operationpinkbag.org

Breast Self Exam (BSE) Once you know what is “normal”, you will be able to notice when there is a change. If you identify a change in your breast call your Health Care Provider to perform a complete examination of your breasts. www.operationpinkbag.org

Steps for Breast Self Exam Visual Standing/Sitting Upright Lying down www.operationpinkbag.org

Technique Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers, perform a circular motion with your fingers. Make a dime-sized circle in each area of your breast. www.operationpinkbag.org

Technique • Starting in your armpit, do an exam using vertical strips, up and down, across the entire breasts. • Make a circle in each area on your breast along the vertical lines. www.operationpinkbag.org

Visual Examination While looking in the mirror Put your arms above your head Put your arms out to the side Put your arms on your waist and lean forward Changes to look for: Dimples Nipple changes Redness Leathery looking skin www.operationpinkbag.org

Upright Examination In the shower or in front of the mirror Perform the exam From the breast bone, to the armpit From the collarbone to the ribs www.operationpinkbag.org

Lying Down Examination Perform the same exam when lying down Use 3 fingers Move from armpit to breast bone in a vertical strip pattern At each area, use a circular motion to feel the breast www.operationpinkbag.org

When to Contact Your Doctor Anytime you notice changes in your breasts Changes that continue even after your period is over Nipple discharge or skin changes Breast tenderness unrelated to your period Lump www.operationpinkbag.org

Remember to schedule your annual screening Mammogram if you’re 40 or older! www.operationpinkbag.org