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A. Breast Self-Examination (monthly)
breast self-examination should be taught, demonstrated and practiced starting age 20

B. Health Worker Breast Examination (annual)
breast examination should be performed annually by a trained health worker as part of a woman's routine physical examination if over 30 years old and should be encouraged for younger women as well

C. Screening Mammography (annual)
scientific data and several international cancer organizations support a recommendation for annual screening mammography for women aged 50-74. For high-risk women, mammography may be done starting age 40.

-information from Phil. College of Surgeons

BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION (B.S.E.)

Breast self-examination or BSE, is the regular check-up of breasts by oneself. It is important for women to regularly examine themselves since breast cancer is a leading malignancy among women. It is one way of determining the presence of unnatural lumps, thickening or discharges that may signify the presence of cancer. BSE helps women familiarize themselves with the natural shape, size and feel of their breasts. Once they know what is natural to them, they should be able to tell in succeeding BSEs if there is something unnatural in the shape and feel of their breasts. Early detection increases a woman's chances of overcoming breast cancer. If a woman has a family history of cancer of any kind, it is important to be more vigilant.

WHEN SHOULD BSE BE STARTED?

BSE can be started as early as when a woman starts menstruating and now is a good time to start as any.

WHEN SHOULD BSE BE DONE?

BSE should be performed every month, one week after the menstrual flow. If a woman has irregular periods, pregnant or menopausal, any one day of the month can be chosen and BSE performed on the same date every month. BSE should be continued even after menopause.

HOW TO PERFORM BSE

There are three ways that BSE can be done: standing in a private room, while taking a bath or lying down.

1. Stand in front of a mirror, arms raised. Note how the breasts look like. Is there something different with their shape, size and color? This can also be done with a small mirror.

2. With the left arm still raised, place the fingertips of the right hand flat on the underarm.

3. Begin to palpate the underarm down to the underside of the breast.

4. Using a circular motion, continue palpating the entire breast, moving towards the nipple.

5. Next is to gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.

6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 on the other breast.

7. If you choose to conduct BSE lying down, place one arm behind the head. Put a pillow, rolled-up blanket or shirt under the raised arm. Proceed with the BSE following steps 1 to 5.


WHAT TO DO WHEN A LUMP IS DETECTED?

When a lump, thickening or discharge is discovered, the woman should not be scared. Feeling a lump on the breast may not mean that a woman has cancer. Having lumps in the breast may be normal. However, it is important to know if the lumps are cancerous or not. Thus it is important to see a doctor or any other medical professional immediately.


HOW TO DIFFERENTIATE LUMPS:

A. Non-cancerous lumps have the following characteristics:

1. They are smooth to the touch.

2. They are usually round in shape.

3. They are almost always painful.

4. They move easily when palpated.

5. A slight enlargement of the breasts usually accompanies their presence.

6. Some non-cancerous lumps disappear one or two days after menstruation starts.

B. Cancerous lumps, on the other hand, have the following characteristics:

1. They are usually painless (though not all).

2. They feel hard and solid.

3. They do not disappear when a woman has her menstruation.

4. They are usually rigid and immobile.

-information from Women's Media Circle Foundation