Breast Exam Reminder

At Breast Cancer Support Services we believe that as women and men at risk for disease, we need to be partially responsible and involved in our own healthcare. It is important to take an active role in our healthcare so we can recognize changes in our bodies (breasts), if they occur over our lifetime.

We recommend a triad approach to preventative breast health care:

• A breast exam by a professional once a year

• A mammogram if over 50 or when concerned

• A Breast Self Exam monthly or at least several times a year.

At BCSS we will send a monthly reminder to you to do your monthly breast self exam. Please sign up to receive your free reminder by clicking here


 

View a pdf showing the MammaCare method of Breast Self Examination.

Breast exams should be done every month. If you forget just do it the next month. For menstruating women, the best time to do an exam is 5-10 days after the onset of your period because there is less fluid in the breasts from hormonal changes. Non-menstruating women should check their breasts at the same time each month.

Whenever a lump is found, it should be checked by a physician within a week or two. If you notice a lump in your breasts before your period, check it again at the end of your period. If it has decreased in size, generally it is a cystic gland and the chance that it is cancer is rare but get it checked out to be safe.
When you feel your breasts you are mainly feeling the mammary glands and fatty tissue, both of which are lumpy. Women sometimes mistake nodular tissue for a lump. Practice will improve your skill in recognizing unusual lumps. If you have any questions or concerns contact our centre and we would be happy to answer your questions.