Clinical breast exams are physical examinations
done by physicians, nurse practitioners and other trained medical staff.
They involve checking the look and feel of the breasts and underarm for any
changes or abnormalities. The breasts are checked while you are sitting up
and while you are lying down.Clinical
breast exams are a part of breast cancer screening and should be thought of
as a complement to mammography.
The
American Cancer Society recommends that:
- clinical breast exam (CBE) should be
part of a periodic health exam, about every 3 years for women in their
20s and 30s and every year for women 40 and over.
- Women should know how their breasts
normally feel and report any breast change promptly to their health care
providers. Breast self-exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in
their 20s.
Know what is normal for you and 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
of the breast
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- New pain in one spot that doesn't go
away
For more
information on Clinical Breast Exams >>
If you are self pay, do not have health insurance,
and meet income criteria, you may be
eligible for a free or low cost Clinical Breast Exam.
For more information and how
to qualify >>
