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.

According to the American Cancer Society:

• 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.

According to The National Cancer Institute recommends:

• Women 40 years and older should get a mammogram every 1 to 2 years.
• Women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems or who have a family history of breast cancer might need to start getting mammograms before age 40, or they might need to get them more often. Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often you should have a mammogram.

 For more information go to:

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-detection

http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/mammograms.cfm#e