Guidelines Recommended by the American Cancer Society concerning Breast Disease

1. Monthly Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

From age 20 on, your monthly BSE is recommended 7 - 10 days after your period begins. After menopause, do BSE on the first day of the month. Ask your health care provider for simple BSE instructions. If you find a lump, don't be alarmed. Breast lumps are common, and more than 80% are not cancerous. You should consult your physician, however, for an expert opinion about the lump.

2. Regular Physical Examination

Examination of the breasts by a health care professional: every three years for women age 20 - 40, annually for women over 40.

3. Regularly Scheduled Mammograms

    Age 40 - 49: Every 1 -2 years

    Age 50 and over: Annually