Learn the 3 steps that can save your life

Breast cancer can be best treated when it is found early.

1. Do a breast-self exam each month.
   
   Check your breasts for changes in size, shape, and feel. Look for redness, swelling, or flaky skin.
   
   
• Look at your breasts in a mirror.
  
  Take off your shirt and bra. Stand in front of a mirror. Check the front of your breasts, then check each side for changes.
  
  
• Feel your breasts with the pads of your fingers.
  
  Lie down. Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers to check your breast. Use an up and down pattern to check your whole breast. Check the area from your collarbone down to the area below your breast. Start at your armpit and move across toward the middle of the chest.
  
  
  
  If you find any changes, see your doctor right away.
  
  Talk to your doctor or nurse about how to do a good breast self-exam.
  
  
2. Get a clinical breast exam each year.
   
   
• Your doctor or nurse will feel your breast, chest, armpit, and collarbone areas for changes.
  
  
• The doctor will check for changes in the size, shape, and feel of your breasts.
  
  
  
  
3. Is this your year for a mammogram?
   
   Check the chart below.
   
   A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can find breast changes before you or your doctor can feel them.
   
   Talk to your doctor or nurse about when you should start getting a mammogram.
   
   

   	MAMMOGRAM APPOINTMENT CHART
   	AGE	WHEN YOU NEED TO GET A MAMMOGRAM
   	40-49	Get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years
   	50 and up	Get a mammogram every year

Remember...

• Check your breasts each month.
  
• Have your doctor or nurse check your breasts every year.
  
• If you are 40 - 49, get a mammogram every 1-2 years.
  
• If you are 50 and over, get a mammogram every year.
  
  You may be able to get a free or low-cost clinical breast exam or mammogram from the WV Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program.
  

To find out where to get a free or low-cost clinical breast exam or mammogram:

• Ask your doctor or nurse,
• Call your local health department or clinic, or
• Call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

This program is offered by the West Virginia DHHR, Bureau for Public Health, and OMCFH . . . a message from the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center of West Virginia University. The WVBCCSP is supported by cooperative agreement number U57/CCU306741 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).