Breast cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer of Hispanic women and the No. 2 cancer killer for white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaskan Native women, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early detection can increase the likelihood of surviving breast cancer, so it's wise for women to learn how to check for breast cancer and begin doing so on a regular basis.
Step 1
Conduct a self-examination of the breasts. The exact method used to examine the breasts will vary depending on personal preference. Some women prefer to use the pads of their fingertips to create circular motions around the breast, while others prefer to move in a straight line across their breasts. Whichever method you choose, it is important to cover the entire area of the breast, including the area up to the collarbone and up to the armpit. After the exam is finished, gently squeeze the nipple to check if any unusual discharge appears. Call a doctor if you find any unusual lumps, discharge or changes in the breast. Self-examinations should be done every month after the age of 20, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Step 2
Go to the doctor. Doctors can find smaller lumps more easily than the average woman, due to their specialized training and experience, the AAFP notes. This is just one of the many reasons it is important for a woman to receive regular checkups and breast examinations from a doctor. Women older than 20 should receive a breast examination from a doctor once every year or two, according to the AAFP.
Step 3
Have a mammogram. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that mammograms can detect lumps that are too small to even be felt. Women concerned about breast cancer, at high risk of developing breast cancer and all women older than 40 should talk to their doctors about scheduling regular mammograms, the group recommends.
Tips and Warnings
- Although it can be done at any time during the month, the Mayo Clinic recommends performing a breast examination a few days after bleeding from menstruation stops. Using a notebook to record monthly findings may make it easier to spot changes.
- Although it is not as common, men can get breast cancer too. Anyone who finds a breast lump--male or female--should consult a doctor.
