Women are usually the first ones to notice lumps or other changes in their breasts that could signal breast cancer. Breast self-exams are no longer recommended as a way to screen for breast cancer. But becoming familiar with your body can help you detect changes in your breasts. If you detect an irregular lump, nipple discharge or any significant change in the shape or appearance of your breasts, see your doctor right away.  

Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death among minority women. African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer, according to the Intercultural Cancer Center. Latina women are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed at later stages in this disease compared to White women, too. Why? Many women don't know the warning signs of breast cancer and they don't know the importance of regular breast self-exams.

What can you do to protect yourself from breast cancer?

• Do monthly, breast self-exams. Try doing the self-exam right after each menstrual cycle.
• Go to your annual preventive checkups 
• Schedule a mammogram when your doctor recommends it (usually at age 40 or sooner if you have a family history of the disease). Find a low-cost screening program near you. 

Try checking your breasts each month in the shower, in front of a mirror or lying down. The technique is this simple:

• With your fingers flat, move them over your breast (including your armpit) in a circular motion.
• Use your left hand for your right breast and your right hand for your left breast.
• Look to see if the shape or contour of your breasts has changed. Is there any swelling, dimpling of the skin, or changes in the skin or nipple?
• Don’t expect your left and right breasts to be identical; that is rarely the case.
• Check your breast and your armpit from your collarbone to below your breast.
• Lastly, gently squeeze each nipple to check for a discharge.
• Repeat each month.