Why should I do regular breast exams

A woman should examine her breasts every month, even after her monthly bleeding has stopped forever.

Most women have some small lumps in their breasts. These lumps often change in size and shape during her monthly cycle. They can become very tender just before a woman’s monthly bleeding. Sometimes—but not very often—a breast lump that does not go away can be a sign of breast cancer.

A woman can usually find breast lumps herself if she learns how to examine her breasts. If she does this once a month, she will become familiar with how her breasts feel, and will be more likely to know when something is wrong.

If a woman has a disability that makes examining her breasts difficult, she can ask someone she trusts to do it for her.

Sources

• Burns, A. A., Niemann, S., Lovich, R., Maxwell, J., & Shapiro, K. (2014). Where women have no doctor: A health guide for women. Hesperian Foundation.
• Audiopedia ID: en010212