The following are guidelines established by the American Cancer Society and endorsed by the American College of Radiology.

• Yearly mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health.
• Clinical breast exam (CBE) should be part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
• Women should know how their breasts normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s.
• Women at high risk (greater than 20% lifetime risk) should get an MRI and a mammogram every year. Women at moderately increased risk (15% to 20% lifetime risk) should talk with their doctors about the benefits and limitations of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram. Yearly MRI screening is not recommended for women whose lifetime risk of breast cancer is less than 15%.

When Is The Best Time of the Month For Breast Self-Examination?
The best time for self-examination is 10 days after the onset of your menstrual cycle. If you are post-menopausal, choose one day a month for your self-examination and stick to it regularly.

What Are Some of the Physical Signs of Breast Cancer?

• Palpation of a lump in your breast
• Asymmetric appearance of the breast
• Thickening, dimpling, or retraction of the skin
• Nipple retraction or inversion
• Bloody or clear yellow discharge from the breast

• Family history of developing breast cancer
• A previous breast cancer in the same or opposite breast
• History of abnormal breast cells on previous biopsy
• Starting menstruation early (before age 12)
• Late menopause
• No children or later life pregnancy (first child after age 35)
• Obesity (apple-shaped women)
• High fat diet
• Alcohol consumption (2 or more drinks per day)
• Artificial hormones (therapeutic)

• Perform breast self-examination regularly
• Physical breast exam by physician
• Follow recommended guidelines for mammograms
• Exercise regularly

Tips for Early Detection
Regular examination of your breast is a big step toward early detection of breast cancer. It is essential that you do a thorough manual check; you can learn this procedure from your doctor, nurse, or clinic. Next, look carefully in the mirror for visible changes. Squeeze your nipple gently to check for discharge. See your doctor immediately if you detect changes or lumps in your breast, even if they cause no discomfort. A lump may only be a benign cyst, but your doctor must make that determination.

Breast Lumps
Not every lump found in breast tissue is malignant. In fact, approximately 80 percent of all lumps prove to be cysts or fibrous tumors caused by hormones, age, or other factors. Even tumors that aren't cancerous must sometimes be removed because they interfere with bodily functions. If you discover a lump in your breast, see your doctor immediately. A mammogram or biopsy, combined with a thorough medical history, will help your physician make a sound recommendation on the best course of treatment for you.