WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CHECK YOUR BREASTS?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so we thought it was particularly important to talk about checking your breasts and what changes to look out for.
Most cases of breast cancer are discovered through self-checking, so it's important to get to know your breasts and familiarise yourself with what feels normal for you, that way you can be aware of any changes to your body, such as breast lumps.
A perfect opportunity to check yourself is during a shower, bath or whilst you're getting changed. You could add it to your self care routine.
Here are four simple steps for how to check your breasts for changes, that you can add to your daily routine as a breast exam.
STEP 1 - LOOK AT YOUR BREASTS
Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror, stand with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Check to see if your breasts are their usual size, shape and colour. Make sure that they are even and that there is no visible swelling. If you have larger breasts check them in front of the mirror and lift your breasts to check the underside, so you are checking the whole breast.
Changes In The Breasts To Look Out For
Breast cancer doesn't always involve finding breast lumps, it could present itself in a number of ways, so it's important to look out for the following:
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Dimpling and puckering (like orange peel) or bulging of the skin.
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Nipple inversion and changes in your nipple's position or direction.
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A rash or redness of the skin or crusting on or around the nipple.
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Fluid in or around the nipples. Nipple discharge.
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A change in size and shape of your breasts.
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A rash or redness of the skin or crusting on or around the nipple.
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Swelling in your armpit and collarbone.
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Lumps and thickening that is different to the rest of your breasts.
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A change in skin texture i.e. puckering or dimpling of the skin, like orange peel.
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Pain in breast, armpit or collar bone.
STEP 2 - RAISE YOUR ARMS & RE-LOOK AT YOUR BREASTS
Raise your arms and look again for the same changes.
STEP 3 - FEEL YOUR BREASTS LAID DOWN
Next it's time to feel your breasts. Whilst you are lying down use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Use a firm circular motion and keep your fingers flat and together. Feel the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side, from your collarbone to above your tummy, and you armpit to your cleavage. Make sure you feel all of your breast to notice any changes and increase the pressure of your touch as you reach the deeper part of your breast.
STEP 4 - FEEL YOUR BREASTS STANDING OR SITTING
For the last step, feel your breasts when you're standing or sitting. Most women find this easiest whilst they are in the shower. Using the same technique as step 3, feel your entire breast tissue again. These simple steps will take no more than 5 minutes per day so you can squeeze them into your daytime routine. It's important to do this frequently so you can really get to grips with your body and understand what feels normal for you. Make it part of your self care routine.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU DO FEEL ANY CHANGES MAKE SURE YOU REPORT THOSE CHANGES WITH YOUR GP IMMEDIATELY.
It's important to book an appointment with your GP right away if you notice any changes with your breasts, you might not have symptoms that make you feel physically unwell but talking to your doctor about any unusual changes could help detect breast cancer early and help to save your life.
Most cases of breast cancer are actually discovered through self-checking, so it's important to get to know your breasts and familiarise yourself with what feels normal for you, that way you can be aware of any unusual changes to your body. 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50, BUT breast cancer can affect women of any age and earlier breast cancer is possible, so it's important to get into a routine of breast self exams by checking – and encourage others too, even the fellas!
Did you know there are around 400 men diagnosed with breast cancer each year too?
For more information about breast awareness and breast health, please check out the links below:
As well as checking your breasts it's important to check for other changes in your body and to take time to look after yourself.
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Written by AmpleBosom 28/09/2020 and edited by Sara 30/09/2024.