I Hate Breast Self-Exams!

Why don’t more women stick with this important health habit?

Despite recent studies in China and Russia that question the benefit of breast self-exams, gynecologist Patrice M. Weiss, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network is still strongly in favor of the practice. “Through breast self-exams, you get to know your body and take responsibility for your own health,” she says.

Women should start breast self-exams as adolescents and continue each month throughout their lives. “The best time is the week after your period when your breasts tend to be less lumpy and tender,” Weiss says. “After menopause, you can do your monthly exam any time, but stick to the same time—say, the first day of the month—to help you remember.”

Are you afraid of what you might find? “Rest assured that most lumps are harmless,” Weiss says. “But it’s still important to tell your doctor promptly about any changes. Speaking as a woman as well as a doctor, I feel it’s better to know for sure than to speculate. It’s also important to treat any problems as early as possible for the best results.”

To help her patients understand what they’re feeling, Weiss takes time during each woman’s annual physical exam. “I tell them, ‘Your breasts have no abnormalities today, so everything you feel is your own normal bumpiness. Breast tissue feels different from any other area of the body. Now, examine your breasts every day for the next week so you’ll be familiar with what’s normal for you.’”

Want to know more? Call 610-402-CARE for a free card showing how to do a breast self-exam. You can hang it in your shower as a monthly reminder.

This page last updated 4/21/09 11:55 AM