Breast Self-Exam

Breast Self Awareness

Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. Screening tests can find cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you:

talk to your family to learn about your family health history
talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer
ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk
have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40
know how your breasts look and feel and report any changes to your health care provider right away
make healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and limiting alcohol intake

Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Instructional Tool

Breast self-exam (BSE) is a tool that may help you learn what is normal for you. BSE involves looking at and feeling your breasts. Women who practice BSE should also be sure to get mammograms and clinical breast exams at the appropriate age. BSE should not be substituted for these screening tests.

The signs of breast cancer are not the same for all women. In fact, some women have no signs that they can see.

If you notice any of these breast changes, see your health care provider right away:

Lump, hard knot or thickening
Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
Change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
New pain in one spot that does not go away

Developed in English, Spanish and Hindi, our newly updated BSE tool teaches you how to look and feel for any changes in your breasts. Use the links below to view the tool and learn or perfect your BSE technique and skills.

(To view the online BSE tool you need Macromedia Flash installed on your computer. Macromedia Flash is available for download free.)

Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Cards

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® offers a variety of BSE cards in different languages and for specific populations. You can download and print BSE cards for yourself.

If you would like to purchase any of these BSE cards in bulk quantities, please visit the Promise Shop.