When it comes to breast health, breast self-examination is one of the three components of a comprehensive breast-screening program, including regular, clinical breast exams by your doctor and mammograms, as recommended by the American Cancer Society. Wouldn't it be great if there were a product you could use to enhance your own sense of touch during your monthly breast self-examination? Well now there is.

The BSE Pad is a medical device composed of soft, ultra-thin latex-free polyurethane with a special lubricant sealed inside. The BSE Pad was designed to help women perform their monthly breast self-examination with confidence. When you place your fingers on The BSE Pad and press firmly against it, your fingers will glide smoothly across your breast. The BSE Pad reduces friction and may provide for an easier and more comfortable exam. Your breast self-exam should be performed first with your bare hands and then with The BSE Pad. Read and follow the instructions included in the box for proper use of The BSE Pad.

How to use the BSE Pad
1. Rub The BSE Pad between your hands to spread the lubricant inside the pad. This will also help to warm The BSE Pad to your body temperature.

2. Lay The BSE Pad over the area to be examined. Press down firmly on The BSE Pad with your fingers flat and move them over the area to be examined. Use the pads of your fingers, not the tips. The top layer of The BSE Pad will move while the bottom layer remains stationary. By reducing friction, your fingers concentrate on the perceived sense of shape.

3. Repeat this procedure until you are comfortable with how The BSE Pad is to be used.

It is important to note that a breast self-exam needs to be done with flat fingers, not with the fingertips. Bend your wrist to go over the curves of your breast, keeping constant contact and pressure with your skin. Make small circles covering the entire breast. It is also important to note that some women are genetically predisposed to lumpiness in their breasts. Do not be alarmed; report any changes to your physician for proper evaluation. Breast self-examination should be performed both while lying down flat on your back and standing in front of a mirror. Be sure to take enough time to examine both breasts thoroughly.

RESEARCH BRIEF

The BSE Pad is:

• Regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Class ll Medical Device in the U.S. and as a Class l Medical Device in Canada
• Enhances the sense of touch
• May be reused every month

IMPORTANT NOTE
It is very important that you understand the three necessary components of a comprehensive breast-screening program as recommended by the American Cancer Society.

• Breast self-examination
• Regular clinical breast exams by your doctor
• Mammograms

Breast self-examination with and without The BSE Pad is not a replacement for a mammogram or clinical breast exam by your doctor. It is very important that you have regular clinical exams and mammograms as advised by your doctor. Report any changes found either with your bare hand or The BSE Pad exam to your doctor immediately for proper evaluation.

If you discover a lump, puckering or discharge during either the barehanded breast exam or the breast exam using The BSE Pad, it is important that you see your doctor immediately. Some women are predisposed to lumpiness in their breasts, but always report any changes to your doctor.

Q. Why is breast self-examination so important?
A. By examining your breasts regularly, you should become familiar with what is normal for your body. Any change should be brought to the attention of your doctor. But remember, breast self-exam is only one part of good breast health care. It is very important that you have regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as advised by your doctor.

Q. When is the best time to examine your breasts?
A. You should examine your breasts once every month within a week after the end of your menstrual period. This is the time when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen. If you have stopped having periods, or if your periods are not regular, examine your breasts every month, preferably on the same day of the month. Choose a day that is easy to remember -- for example, the first day of every month.

Q. How should I care for my BSE Pad?
A. If The BSE Pad becomes soiled, simply rinse with warm water and let dry. Store The BSE Pad at room temperature.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.