Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can be successfully treated. The key? Early detection.
Breast self-exam is a screening method that is intended to find early tumors, particularly those that develop in the time between annual mammograms and clinical breast exams. By doing breast self-exams once a month, women can become familiar with the way their breasts look and feel normally and thus may be able to recognize changes such as thickening, lumps, spontaneous nipple discharge or skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering. Any time a woman discovers a new lump that feels different from the rest of the breast or one that is different from what she has felt before, she should have it checked by a health care provider.
When should I do a breast self-examination (BSE)?
The best time to do BSE is the same time each month, for menstruating women, it should be performed after the menstrual period has ended when breasts are less tender. For postmenopausal women, it should be performed the same time each month.
Online Breast Self-Exam
Developed in English, Spanish and Hindi, Susan G. Komen for the Cure's online Breast Self-Exam tool teaches you how to look and feel for any breast changes. Follow the link below to view the tool and learn or perfect your BSE technique and skills.
Learn how to perform a breast self-exam
Breast Self-Exam (BSE) Cards
As part of the three-step breast health approach, Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends that beginning by age 20, women become familiar with the look and feel of their breasts through monthly breast self-examination (BSE). Komen for the Cure offers a variety of BSE cards in different languages and for specific populations. You can order a free BSE card. Please include your name and complete address.
If you would like to purchase any of these BSE cards in bulk quantities, please visit Susan G. Komen for the Cure's Promise Shop.
You can also download and print BSE cards for yourself.
Breast Self-Exam Card in English and Spanish (pdf)
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