Cancer Tip: Checking for Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society no longer recommends monthly breast self-examination (BSE) for all women starting at the age of 20. Instead, the new recommendations state that all women should be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE when they’re in their 20s so they can decide whether or not to do it. Still, all women should be familiar with the way their breasts normally feel so that they can recognize any changes that may develop. The ACS did not change its recommendation that women age 20 to 39 should have a breast exam by a physician every three years or that women age 40 and older have an annual breast exam by a physician.