Plan to do your BSE in a room with good lighting.

Noticeable swelling yet you are not menstruating at the moment Dimpling, puckering, or bulging skin Inverted nipples Nipples that have moved Redness, rashes, or tenderness. [5] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer. org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source

Feel for lumps or any other changes. You should report any detectable lumps to your doctor. You should cover your breast with light, medium, and firm pressure in each circle. In other words, do a circle with light pressure and then repeat the same area with medium and firm pressure. You need to apply light pressure to notice tissue nearest to the skin’s surface. Medium pressure allows you to feel more deeply and the firmest pressure helps you to reach deep tissue near your ribs. [8] X Research source

In the United States, white women are most at risk of getting breast cancer. [12] X Trustworthy Source BreastCancer. org Patient-focused nonprofit organization providing resources for those affected by breast cancer Go to source Some ethnic groups are more prone to mutated BRCA genes. These include people of Norwegian, Icelandic, Dutch, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Cancer Institute An agency in the National Institutes of Health focused on cancer research and patient support Go to source

If you do not have health insurance or funds to visit a doctor, there are likely resources in your area to help you get preventative care. Planned Parenthood offers consultation services and can direct you to a mammography provider. [18] X Research source If you do not know where to look for help, contact your local Department of Health or call the national cancer line at 1-800-4-CANCER. They can refer you to appropriate help for your situation. You could be eligible for cost-free or inexpensive mammograms. See the official US government listing of low-income clinics: http://www. findahealthcenter. hrsa. gov/Search_HCC. aspx.

If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about how often you should get a mammogram. If you have a high risk and are under 40 years of age, it is possible your doctor will recommend a mammogram already.

Consider saying: “I know a lot of people don’t get the mammograms because they’re scary and they can hurt a bit, but I’d love to find a way that we can make it fun!”