Why is breast self-examination important?
A woman soon learns the appearance and feel of her own breast tissue; thus she is the best qualified to recognize changes that may occur. Changes in the texture of breast tissue occur commonly with changes in the menstrual cycle. Changes that persist or progress should be brought to the attention of the woman’s physician who can perform a clinical breast examination and determine whether a diagnostic breast imaging consultation is appropriate. Women who are menstruating are advised to perform breast self-exam during the time from about 3 to 7 days after the period has ended when the breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. The American Cancer Society recommends that women learn and perform BSE each month beginning at age 20. Pacific Breast Center provides women instructional materials that will help them learn to properly perform this important examination.
