The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government agency that makes recommendations for preventive health care services has changed the rules when it comes to breast cancer screening recommendations -- from when to get a mammogram to if you should even bother doing monthly, breast self-exams.
 
According to this recent study, the USPSTF reports that breast self-exams are no longer necessary or effective at screening for breast cancer. The task force also found no evidence that self-exams reduce breast cancer death rates.
So, what should you do now?

Well, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), you still need to be “aware” of the changes in your breast and know what’s normal for your body. Like ACS, many organizations haven’t been formally “teaching” women how to perform at-home, breast self-checks due to some women misreading regular changes in their breasts, the fear that some women experience doing this method alone and/or the guilt they feel by not doing them regularly.
 
Whether you opt to be more "aware" of your breasts or you choose to set a date to regularly look at and touch your breasts, searching for anything out of the ordinary, it’s also a good idea to know your risk for developing breast cancer. A critical part of breast cancer risk has to do with genetics, and knowing your family’s medical history. Does your mom, grandma or sister have this disease? Have any of your family members passed due to breast cancer? It’s important to be aware of your own risk simply by taking into account your family’s medical history.

It’s also vital to maintain a healthy weight as an adult, especially after menopause, and to stay physically activity. You may also want to limit alcohol and quit smoking. These key aspects of a healthy lifestyle have been shown to decrease the risk for developing breast cancer in women.

Lastly, if you ever have any questions, issues, suspicions or nagging concerns about your breast health, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor or health care provider. Please, don’t wait! A doctor will be able to check your breasts and schedule any needed follow-up tests to make sure that you remain in good health.