Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer.

Women of all ages need to be aware of their bodies, especially their breast health. Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is easy to perform, and it could save your life.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous. But if something unusual does show up during your breast self-examination, you will have given yourself an incredible gift - breast health problems found early are very treatable.

The Evergreen Breast Center endorses the current breast screening guidelines from the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology:

Age 20-40 years

• Do a breast self exam monthly
• Have a clinical breast exam annually
• Have a first (baseline) mammogram by age 40

Age 40 and up

• Do a breast self exam monthly
• Have a clinical breast exam annually
• Have an annual mammogram

If you have a strong family history (mother/sister) you may want to discuss guidelines with your family physician.