Support for You

Breast Self-Awareness (BSA)

1. Know your risk

• Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
• Talk to your doctor about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

• Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a higher risk
• Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
• Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you

• See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast changes:
• Lump, hard knot, or thickening
• Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
• Pulling in of your nipple or other parts
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
• New pain in one spot that does not go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Add exercise into your routine
• Limit alcohol intake