Be Breast Smart: Three Steps to Early Prevention

Summary

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"Education about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer is a vital, life-saving tool," agrees Dr. Virginia E. Maurer, breast surgeon and founder of the Maurer Foundation that aims to provide breast health education.

Though self-examination is no substitute for regular mammograms, women who perform thorough, monthly breast self-exams are playing an active role in promoting breast health.

That is why it is recommended that women from 20-39 years old perform breast self-examinations (BSE) every month and have a clinical breast examination, performed by a health care professional, every three years. Women 40 and older should have a clinical examination and a mammogram every year. If you have a family history of breast cancer, your regular mammograms should begin at 35.

"Education about the prevention and early detection of breast cancer is a vital, life-saving tool," agrees Dr. Virginia E. Maurer, breast surgeon and founder of the Maurer Foundation that aims to provide breast health education. Lying Down * Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder * Use the pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to check your right breast * Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circle without lifting your fingers off the skin * Follow an up and down pattern * Feel for changes in your breast, above and below your collarbone and in your armpit * Repeat on your left breast using your right hand These steps may be repeated while bathing or showering using soapy hands.

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Extract

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Be Breast Smart: Three Steps to Early Prevention

Breast cancer strikes Black women differently. But you can still protect yourself. Awareness, action and education are a woman's strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer. And finding it early means a better ch...

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