RESOURCES AND SUPPORT
Learn how to do monthly breast self exams (BSEs) for men and women, where to financial assistance for screenings and more.
Breast Self-Exam for Her!
Check your breasts the same day every month.
Check yourself a week after your period starts when swelling and sensitivity are less.
1. Check your breasts in front of a mirror for any symtoms or abnormalities.
2. Check your nipples carefully, lumps may be found behind the nipple.
3. In a sitting or standing position, use the pads of the three middle fingers – examine using light, medium, and deep pressure. (See step 4, for the area to be examined)
4. Examining starts at the collarbone and continues down and up the entire breast in a vertical pattern.
5. Position yourself in bed which leads to a more even distribution of your breast tissue. Repeat step 3 and 4.
Signs and Symptoms
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt).
- Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel).
- Breast or nipple pain.
- Nipple retraction (turning inward).
- Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).
Breast Self-Exam for Him!
Check your breasts the same day every month.
Check yourself a week after your period starts when swelling and sensitivity are less.
1. Check your breasts in front of a mirror for any symptoms or abnormalities.
2. Examine the nipple, most men find their lumps under the nipple.
3. In a sitting or standing position, use the pads of the three middle fingers – examine using light, medium, and deep pressure. (See step 4, for the area to be examined)
4. Examining starts at the collarbone and continues down and up the entire breast in a vertical pattern.
5. Position yourself in bed which leads to a more even distribution of your breast tissue. Repeat step 3 and 4.
Signs and Symptoms
- A painless lump or thickening in your breast tissue.
- Changes to the skin covering your breast, such as dimpling, wrinkling, redness, or scaling.
- Changes to your nipple, such as redness or scaling, or a nipple that begins to turn inward.
- Discharge from your nipple
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women across the United States
Provides access to clinical breast exams and mammograms (plus diagnostic testing if results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed) to women ages 40-64 who do not have health insurance or are under-insured.
Breast Cancer Assistance Program
At its Columbia, Maryland headquarters, the American Breast Cancer Foundation operates a national Breast Cancer Assistance Program that provides financial assistance for breast cancer screenings and diagnostic tests for uninsured and underserved individuals, regardless of age or gender. ABCF makes these lifesaving tests available to individuals who otherwise would have no other means of access. In doing so, ABCF hopes to improve the chances of ruling out breast cancer, or diagnosing the disease at an early stage so that it may be treated successfully and increase survivorship. More than 50 percent of ABCF callers already have symptoms of the disease.
Patient Advocate Foundation – National Financial Resource Directory
Find local, state and national financial assistance and insurance resources for people who do not have health insurance or are under-insured.
American Breast Cancer Foundation
An Animated Patient’s Guide to Breast Cancer and Metastatic Disease
This resource is intended to educate and empower individuals who are facing the challenges that come with breast cancer, and to raise breast cancer awareness. You will find expert advice to help you discuss key issues with your health care provider. Easy-to-understand animations with audio narration, expert video explanations, slide shows, and educational downloads are available to you.
We hope this site will be useful to you, but it is not a substitute for the medical advice of your doctor. If you have questions or feedback, please let us know. By using this site you agree to the terms of use and that you have reviewed the disclosures.