Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a
periodic (regular) health exam by a health professional, at least every 3 years. After
age 40, women should have a breast exam by a health professional every year.
· CBE is a complement to mammograms and an opportunity for women and their
doctor or nurse to discuss changes in their breasts, early detection testing, and factors
in the woman's history that might make her more likely to have breast cancer.
· There may be some benefit in having the CBE shortly before the mammogram. The
exam should include instruction for the purpose of getting more familiar with your
own breasts. Women should also be given information about the benefits and
limitations of CBE and breast self exam (BSE). Breast cancer risk is very low for
women in their 20s and gradually increases with age. Women should be told to
promptly report any new breast symptoms to a health professional.
Breast self exam (BSE) is an option for women starting in their 20s. Women should
be told about the benefits and limitations of BSE. Women should report any breast
changes to their health professional right away.
· Research has shown that BSE plays a small role in finding breast cancer compared
with finding a breast lump by chance or simply being aware of what is normal for
each woman. Some women feel very comfortable doing BSE regularly (usually
monthly after their period) which involves a systematic step-by-step approach to
examining the look and feel of their breasts. Other women are more comfortable
simply looking and feeling their breasts in a less systematic approach, such as while
showering or getting dressed or doing an occasional thorough exam. Sometimes,
women are so concerned about "doing it right" that they become stressed over the
technique. Doing BSE regularly is one way for women to know how their breasts
normally look and feel and to notice any changes. The goal, with or without BSE, is
to report any breast changes to a doctor or nurse right away.
· Women who choose to do BSE should have their BSE technique reviewed during
their physical exam by a health professional. It is okay for women to choose not to do
BSE or not to do it on a regular schedule. However, by doing the exam regularly, you
get to know how your breasts normally look and feel and you can more readily detect
any signs or symptoms if a change occurs, such as development of a lump or
swelling, skin irritation or dimpling, nipple pain or retraction (turning inward),
redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin, or a discharge other than breast milk.
Should you notice any changes you should see your health care provider as soon as
possible for evaluation. Remember that most of the time, however, these breast
changes are not cancer.