Taking care of yours breasts requires you to do 3 things:

• Examine you breasts monthly
• Have your doctor examine your breasts once a year
• Get a mammogram starting at age 35 
   

BSE includes both looking and feeling over the entire breast and chest area. Feeling (palpation) should be done in two positions -- while lying down and while bathing. Looking (inspection) should be done in front of a mirror.  The steps can be performed in any order, but each step is important.

When examining the breasts, women should use a vertical pattern, cover the entire breast, and use adequate pressure (light, medium, and firm). It is important to use the pads, not the tips, of the fingers. The time required varies with the size of a woman's breasts.

Check your breasts using these steps at the same time each month,

	Check for any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts. Look for a lump, hard knot, or skin that thickens or dimples.
	Report any changes to your doctor or nurse.  Go for regular breast exams and pap tests. Ask about a mammogram.
	Before A Mirror Check for any changes in the shape or look of your breasts. Note any skin or nipple changes such as dimpling or nipple discharge. Inspect your breasts in four steps: arms at side, arms overhead, hands on hips pressing firmly to flex chest muscles, and bending forward.
	Lying Down Place a pillow under your right shoulder. Put your right hand under your head. Check your entire breast area with the finger pads of your left hand. Use small circles and follow an up and down pattern. Use light, medium and firm pressure over each area of your breast. Repeat these steps on your left breast.
	In The Shower Raise your right arm. With soapy hand and fingers flat, check your right breast. Use the method described in the "Lying Down" step.  Repeat on your left breast.