Taking good care of your breast health is crucial, and the main aim is to catch any signs of breast cancer early. 

Early detection means treatment is more likely to be successful. Apart from cancer, this routine care can spot other less serious issues too.

 

Getting to Know Your Breasts

The American Cancer Society advises that every woman should be familiar with how her breasts normally look and feel. This knowledge makes it easier to spot any unusual changes. 
Look out for things like lumps, any fluid leaking (unless it's breastmilk), swelling, irritated skin or dimpling, and any changes in how the nipple looks or feels (like pain, redness, inward turning, or flaky skin). 

If you observe any of these changes, it’s important to see a doctor straight away.
 

Breast Self-Exams: Not for Everyone

Interesting to note, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Cancer Society don't recommend self-checks for everyone, as they haven't been proven to significantly reduce deaths from breast cancer. 

It's best to discuss with your healthcare provider whether self-exams are a good choice for you.

Check out: Preventive Health Screenings Women Should Prioritize (and Where to Get Them Free)
 

Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

During a routine check-up, a healthcare professional who’s trained to recognize breast issues should perform a clinical breast exam. For women between 29 and 39, it’s recommended to have this examination every one to three years. After hitting 40, a yearly exam is advised. 

However, some health experts are unsure about the benefit of these exams for women over 40. Discussing your own risk factors with your healthcare provider can help you decide if you should have a CBE.
 

Mammograms

Mammograms – basically low-dose X-rays of your breasts – are crucial for spotting cancer or other problems early. Whether or not you can feel a lump, a mammogram can catch issues sooner, although a biopsy is needed to confirm if it’s cancer. 

When to start and how often to have mammograms can vary based on different health experts' advice. The USPSTF suggests screening every two years for women aged 50 to 74.

The American Cancer Society recommends yearly screenings for women aged 45 to 54, shifting to every two years for those 55 and older, though continuing annual checks is an option.
Considering your personal health risks will help determine the right time and frequency for your mammograms. If a screening mammogram spots something odd, you might need a more detailed mammogram next.

Women at higher risk for breast cancer might need to start mammograms earlier or use additional imaging tests like breast MRI, according to both the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society. 

It's wise to discuss these options with your healthcare provider if you’re at increased risk.

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If you're struggling to get tested for breast cancer, we recommend seeking government aid through Medicaid or visiting low-cost or free health clinics.

Help is always there if you know where to look, and we can help you find it. Click here to learn more!