A device for improving the early detection of a malignant breast cancer tumor in the breast of a human being includes a foreign body implant which is shaped and dimensioned to imitate a breast tumor. The foreign body implant is implanted in the breast of a human being and provides a tactile standard with which to compare a possible actual breast cancer tumor. During periodic breast self examination, the human being feels the foreign body implant to reinforce a tactile memory of what breast tumors feel like.