If you notice any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts, see a medical professional. All women should perform monthly BSE by age 20. BSE should be done once a month, a few days after the last day of your period. If you no longer get your period, do BSE on the same day each month. Clinical breast exam is performed by a trained medical professional who carefully checks your breasts for any changes in order to detect any lumps that may be present.
Many women have a clinical breast exam performed at their yearly gynecologist appointment.
Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 40 and every year after 40. Mammograms are x-ray pictures of the breast. They can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. All women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than 40 and feel that you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, talk to a trained medical professional about when you should begin having mammograms.