# Wait, Are We Still Doing Self-Breast Exams?

> Self-breast exams may cause false positives but experts say they help detect cancer in younger women.
- Title: Wait, Are We Still Doing Self-Breast Exams? · Popsugar
- Summary: Self-breast exams may cause false positives but experts say they help detect cancer in younger women. Self-breast exams can detect early breast cancer in…
- Keywords: self-breast-exam, breast-cancer, mammogram, american-cancer-society, richard-reitherman, avan-armaghani, austin-williams, breast-exam, entertainment, lifestyle, Wait, Still
- Source: Popsugar — https://popsugar.com/health/self-breast-exam-49248622
- Author: Korin Miller
- Published: 2023-08-16T22:25:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: self-breast-exam, breast-cancer, mammogram, american-cancer-society, richard-reitherman, avan-armaghani, austin-williams, breast-exam, entertainment, lifestyle
## Self-Breast Exams
Self-breast exams are no longer taught in doctor's offices but are still recommended by some experts.
## American Cancer Society Stance
The American Cancer Society says research has not shown self-breast exams benefit breast cancer detection.
## False Positives Risk
Self-breast exams can cause false positives, leading to unnecessary tests and stress.
## Younger Women's Risk
Ten percent of breast cancers occur in women under 40, making self-exams potentially helpful for early detection.
## Monthly Self-Exams
Doctors recommend monthly self-exams, ideally one week after menstruation for best results.
## Mammograms Still Key
Women should still get annual mammograms starting at age 40, not replacing self-exams.
## How to Do Self-Exams
Check for skin changes, redness, rashes, nipple inversion, and discharge during self-exams.
## Key takeaway

Self-breast exams can detect early breast cancer in women under 40 but risk false positives.