A professional breast exam Mammography Routine screening around the age of 35 One every 1-2 years between the ages of 40 and 49. One every year after age 50. Don't make the mistake of relying on one method alone. In addition to an annual professional breast exam, one also must perform monthly BSEs. Women who detect breast masses through BSEs have a much better prognosis than if detected at the yearly exam.
Familiarity makes it easier to notice any changes in the breast from one month to another.
If you menstruate, the best time to do BSE is two or three days after period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender and swollen. It is also normal to have one breast slightly larger than the other breast. Therefore, it is normal for the breasts to feel lumpy or uneven. Before your menstrual period begins, and sometimes during your period, you can have some tenderness, pain or lumps in your breasts because extra fluid collects in the tissue. This is normal.