Breast Self-Examination (BSE)
Breast self-examination (BSE) is recommended for women, starting at any age, once a month. Performing a breast self-examination can help women become familiar with how her breasts normally look and feel. This helps women detect changes to their breasts quicker. It is important to report any new breast changes to your provider for further evaluation.
If you notice any of the following signs, please contact your healthcare professional:
- Change in size or shape of your breast
- Swelling, redness, darkening, or warmth of your breast
- Sudden nipple discharge
- Rash, skin lesion, or dimpling of any area of your breast
- Focal pain in your breast
- A sudden inversion of your nipple
- A lump and/or hardening of your breast
Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)
Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) by a health professional every three years. Women age 40 and older should have a clinical breast exam, in addition to their annual mammogram, every year and should continue to do so for as long as they are in good health. A CBE offers a chance for women and their provider to discuss any new changes to their breasts, appropriate screening recommendations, and risk factors in the woman’s history that might make her more likely to have breast cancer.
Meet Our Breast Health Care Team
The Margie Petersen Breast Center at Providence Saint John’s Health Center brings you some of the finest breast health and cancer care in Southern California.
