experience breast changes. While many end up being nothing to worry about, it's important

to have any changes that you notice checked by a doctor -- just to be on the safe side.

Here are the potential breast cancer symptoms to watch out for. You will need Monthly self-exams

Attention to breast changes Medical exam and annual mammograms at age 40. This video does

not replace actual medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any questions or

concerns. Step 1. Start performing a monthly self-exam as soon as your breasts are fully

developed. Checking yourself regularly is important -- you need to know what your breasts

feel like normally so you can recognize any changes. Examine yourself several days after

your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be swollen and tender. If you're

no longer having periods, choose a day that's easy to remember, such as the first or last

day of the month. Keep in mind that it's not uncommon for breasts to feel lumpy due to

benign fibrocystic breast disease, cysts, scar tissue, infections, and other causes

that have nothing to do with cancer. For instructions on how to do a breast self-exam properly,

go to "Breastcancer.org":http://www.breastcancer.org/. Step 2. Know what you're feeling for: a lump

that feels different from your breast's normal lumpiness, like discovering a pebble in your

oatmeal. Though many lumps are benign, anything that feels new or odd should be checked by

your doctor -- even if you've recently had a clean mammogram. Check for lumps in your

armpits, too. Cancerous lumps are more likely to be hard, painless, and unmovable.

Step 3. Look for visible changes, like dimpled, puckered, thickened, reddened, or scaly breast

skin, or a flattening or indentation on the breast. All are potential breast cancer symptoms

that should be evaluated. Step 4. Recognize the nipple changes that can indicate breast

cancer -- pain; redness; scaliness; itching; skin thickening; the nipple turning inward;

or discharge other than breast milk. Step 5. See your doctor about swelling in all or

part of your breast, or breast pain. Though swelling and soreness are usually no cause

for concern, these symptoms can be signs of a rare but aggressive form of the disease

known as inflammatory breast cancer. Step 6. Have your doctor perform a breast examination

at your yearly check-up, and begin annual mammograms at age 40. If you have a family

history of the disease, tell your doctor: they may suggest that you start having mammograms

at an earlier age. Knowing the signs of breast cancer -- and being proactive about knowing

how to recognize them early -- is the best way to protect yourself. Did you know In a

"Breastcancer.org":http://www.breastcancer.org/ survey of more than 2,200 women, 37 percent

said they first detected their breast cancer with a self-exam.