Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Paying close attention to your body, allows you to spot any unusual changes in your breasts, and discuss them with your doctor straight away. This is so important, because early detection of issues can be lifesaving.

Why should I be checking my breasts every month?

Regular self-checks are important for you because they help you understand your body better, making it easier to spot any changes. By knowing what feels normal for you, you can notice unusual signs more quickly.

When should I check my breasts?

It’s best to pick the same time each month to check. If you have periods, check a few days after they end when your breasts are less tender. If you no longer have periods, just choose any day of the month to make your regular checking day.

How do I check my breasts?

During a self-check, look for any unusual lumps, changes in size or shape, different skin texture or colour, nipple changes, swelling, or long-lasting pain, as well as anything that feels different from what you normally see or feel.

• Stand and look at your breasts in front of a mirror.
• Look for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry.
• Check again with both arms raised above your head.
• Then place your hands on your hips and lean forward, looking for dimpling, swelling or unusual skin texture.

• Keep your middle three fingers flat and together.
• Apply gentle then firmer pressure over both sides of the whole chest area, including armpits and collarbone.
• Use a circular pattern starting from the nipple, or move fingers up and down in straight lines to make sure you cover all areas.

NHS doctor, Dr Sayaada, demonstrates how to self-check in this short video.

 

Changes You Should Look and Feel For

 

How do I know if I’m doing it right?

There’s no strict way to do a breast self-check, but using the guidelines, taking your time and carefully checking your entire chest area, including the armpits and collarbone, will help you get to know what’s normal for you.

Checking in front of a mirror will help you see any changes in size, shape, or skin texture. Some women find it easier to feel for changes while lying down in bed or even in the bath, where your breast tissue is flatter and skin is more slippery.

The most important thing is to check regularly and report any changes to your doctor.

What should I do if I do find something that seems unusual?

If you find something unusual while checking your breasts, it’s important to try not to worry. Many lumps and changes are harmless, such as cysts or benign growths. However, it’s still very important to visit your GP for a professional assessment, as early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes if there is an issue.

What will happen at the GP appointment?

Your GP will ask about the change and check your breasts, including under your arms and collarbone. Depending on the exam, they may reassure you or refer you to a breast clinic for more tests like a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy. A referral doesn’t mean cancer, but it helps check for any issues.

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Further rescources

If you’re concerned about breast cancer or just want to learn more, Breast Cancer Now is an NHS recognised charity that offers expert advice and support through their website, forum and even a free helpline where you can speak to a specialist breast care nurse.

 

Breast Cancer UK campaign to educate people about the healthy lifestyle habits they can make to lessen the risks of breast cancer.

 

The NHS Website has information about breast self-checking, breast cancer and also the Breast Screening Programme that all women who are registered with a GP, and aged between 50-71 will be invited to attend.
It’s very important for women who get invited to attend a routine breast screening when invited because sadly the risk of breast cancer increases with age.

 

Please remember : Any online or telephone support and information services should only be used in addition to you informing your own GP about any concerns.

 

All Resources