Do You “Know” Your Breasts?

Every woman has a unique breast tissue pattern which contributes to the way each woman’s breasts normally look and feel. Some women’s breasts may have a lumpy/rope-like texture which is considered “normal” for them, and others may have a smoother tissue texture that is considered “normal” for them. 

Knowing your breasts means being aware of how your breasts look and feel so that you may know what is normal for your breasts and can easily detect any changes. 

The Society of Breast Imaging and American Cancer Society recommends all women aged 20 and older to practice monthly breast-self examinations for the best detection 

A Breast-Self Exam is an at-home screening technique conducted using the hands and eyes that is practiced with the purpose of detecting breast lumps and other appearance/texture-related breast abnormalities. A monthly breast-self examination is a lifesaving practice recommended for women to add to their healthcare routine. 

Any changes to the look or feel of a woman’s breast tissue that are discovered during her monthly breast-self exam must be discussed with her physician. It is important to note that if you do discover changes to your breast tissue, it is not a cause for panic. There are many benign breast conditions that can cause changes in breast tissue. It is also crucial to note that a breast self-exam is not a substitute for routine mammography screenings due to the fact that 3D mammography is the only tool that can detect breast cancer at its earliest, most curable stage before a lump can be felt. In addition, Breast-Self examinations should never replace a yearly clinical breast exam performed by a healthcare provider. Women should practice a monthly breast-self examination as a screening tool that is supplemental to clinical screening exams.

The following are the top 3 evidence-based reasons that all women should add breast- self-examination to their monthly healthcare routine if they have not done so already. 

Reason # 1: Research has indicated that 40% of breast cancers are detected after a woman discovers a new lump during a self-breast exam. 

Reason #2: The size of nodules found during a self-breast exam are 50% smaller than those found during a yearly clinical breast exam.

Reason # 3: Being familiar with the normal appearance and texture of her breast tissue allows a woman to be prompt to notice any changes that may occur between monthly exams. 

If you detect a change in the texture or appearance of your breasts during a self-exam, notify your physician. He or she will determine if it is necessary for a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound should be performed to rule out abnormalities.

If your physician orders a breast imaging exam, call our office at 732-741-9595 and we will promptly schedule your appointment.

Red Bank Radiologists: Little Silver Mammography & HerSpace takes pride in providing women with the most stress-free breast imaging experience by offering SAME-DAY results from our on-site radiologists.