Breast Exams

A clinical breast exam by your physician and routine self-exams are your first defense against breast cancer. Self-exams help increase your breast awareness, allowing you to notice any changes in your breasts or surrounding areas. Your physician will usually conduct a breast exam when you go in for your annual well woman visit, but self-exams at home will help you detect any changes early so you and your doctor can diagnose and treat any conditions that may arise as soon as possible. It is important to remember that most changes or lumps found in the breast aren’t cancerous, and additional tests and procedures will be needed to get a diagnosis. Ask your doctor for a demonstration if you are unsure of how to conduct a self-exam.