Your Self chec™
Breast Cancer Guide
SCROLL DOWN THIS PAGE TO FIND OUT WHEN AND HOW TO CHECK.


Examining your breasts every month and having a mammogram and clinical breast exam by your doctor every year could save your breast and your life.

You are your body’s best friend. Checking your breasts monthly makes you more familiar with what “normal” feels like, enabling you to notice any changes that may take place.

Set a time each month to check your breasts, about a week after your period ends. If you no longer get your period, set the same day aside each month to check.

If you have a Self chec™ caring kit don’t forget to attach a monthly Self chec™ reminder sticker to your date book to remind you to do your monthly Breast and Skin Self-check and call the doctor to schedule your yearly mammogram and check-up.

You can also set up a free monthly reminder on the Self chec™ Web site. It's easy, just click the Green Box on the right and fill in the blanks. Remember, it could save your life.

Please don’t forget to remind the men in your life to check themselves for MEN'S BREAST CANCER. Unfortunately, they can get it, too.

Beginning at age 20, get a Clinical Breast Exam every three years. If you have a family history of breast cancer, please also ask your doctor about getting a mammogram earlier than these guidelines specify.

Do a Breast Self-check every month.
By checking your breasts frequently, you will be the best one to notice any changes that may take place.

Beginning at age 40,
Get a Mammogram and Clinical Breast Exam every year. Continue doing your monthly Breast Self-check.


Before you start
Pick A Motion (PAM)
The best way to check you breasts each month is to pick one motion you will use every time you do your Breast Self-check, (please refer to light yellow box at right)). Using the same motion will insure that you will pick up any changes in your breasts that may occur.

Now you're ready to start.
Self chec's™ Step-by-Step Guide to
Checking Your Breasts

STEP ONE
LYING DOWN (Figure A)
1) Place a folded towel or pillow under your right shoulder.

2) Place your right hand behind your head.

3) Use the inner pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand, (see red circle on diagram A). PAM, feeling for any lumps or thickening.

4) Continue examining your breast. Feel for any changes in the upper and outer parts, below and above your breast and in your upper chest area. Continue up to your collarbone and in and around your armpit area. (Please see this area depicted by the red box on diagram C below)

Take your time. When you are done, repeat each step on your left breast.

STEP two
BEFORE A MIRROR (or you can also do steps C and D in the shower)

B)	C)	D)

B) Arms at your sides, using your PAM, motion, feel for any changes in the upper and outer parts, and below and above your breast in your upper chest area. Continue up to your collarbone and in and around your armpit area. (Please see this area in the red outlined box on diagram C).

If you find something suspicious CLICK HERE

C) Arms behind your head, check your breasts for changes in the size, shape and color.

D) Arms pressed firmly against hips, bending forward, look for puckering, dimpling. rash, nipple discharge or any other change that does not seem normal.

This Breast Self-check is not a substitute for seeing your doctor yearly. To be effective, breast cancer early detection must combine 1) Monthly Breast check, 2) Regular Clinical Exam and 3) Yearly Mammogram (if over age 40 or in a high risk group).

IMPORTANT: The information on the cancer pages of this site was culled by the director of Self chec and initially reviewed by the folks at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on the newest information from the national cancer advisory organizations, including, but not limited to, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and American Cancer Society. We recognize that the national cancer advisory organizations sometimes do not agree about specific cancer guidelines, often making it confusing to the public about what to do. That is why we are asking you to err on the side of caution by always consulting a healthcare professional to advise you in the healthy choices you will make. Thank you.

This page was last updated on October 20, 2008

© 2005 All illustrations, Fairman Studios, LLC. All rights reserved.
Illustrations may not be reproduced in any form without the
express consent of Fairman Studios, LLC and Self chec, Inc.

Photography courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation