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What to know about breast self-awareness and how it fits into cancer prevention

Now, doctors recommend breast self-awareness as a flexible practice to stay familiar with breast appearance and feel, complementing mammograms without a set routine.
Previously, the American Cancer Society stopped endorsing routine monthly self-exams because evidence showed little benefit when combined with mammogram schedules starting at age 40 or 45, which caused anxiety in patients with dense breasts.
If you notice a new lump or thickening, patients should promptly consult a doctor, watching for typical warning signs like nipple changes, skin dimpling, size shifts, redness, or persistent pain.
Clinicians emphasize regular screening routines remain critical, while breast self-awareness helps people at higher risk and with dense breasts notice interim changes for timely evaluation.
Integrating self-awareness into daily life, clinicians advise, as over 300,000 women and 2,600 men are projected to be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026, highlighting the importance of checking changes without undue worry.

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What to Know About Breast Self-Knowledge and How It Is Integrated Into Cancer Prevention

What does it mean to be aware of breasts? It is a more general and flexible approach to breast cancer prevention that involves becoming familiar with the appearance and texture of your breasts. It is complemented by other early detection measures, such as periodic mammograms. Doctors suggest breast self-knowledge as an alternative to self-examination (those monthly methodical checks to detect any changes when applying pressure or bedtime).

1 day ago·Washington, United States

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