Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer awareness means getting to know how your breasts look and feel normally so that you notice any change that might be unusual. Detecting a change early means that if cancer is diagnosed, any treatment may be more successful.
What to look for - Visual inspection
Examine the appearance of your breasts to look for any changes in the shape and outline of your breasts.
While standing in-front of a mirror, inspect your breasts in four different positions:
- Arms overhead
- Arms at your sides
- Hands at your hips
- Whilst bending forward
What to look for - Manual inspection
After looking for any changes, feel your breasts and armpits for any lumps, bumps, thickening or puckering. You can do this by lying on your back, on your side or standing up.
A week after your menstrual period is the ideal time to examine your breast. If you do not menstruate try to examine your breasts on the same day every month.
- Using three fingers of the hand opposite to your breast apply small circular movements by pressing down on your breast with light, medium and firm pressure.
- Ensure your fingers are closed together.
- Gently squeeze your nipple to detect any discharge.
- Repeat the steps to check the other breast.
If you encounter any changes
If you encounter any changes please see your doctor immediately, particularly if you notice any unusual pain or discomfort in your breast.
Our breasts can change for many reasons, some of which are harmless, but these should be investigated in the small chance that it could be cancer.
Regular breast awareness and self-examination is not a substitute for check-ups from your doctor or for screening mammograms.
For more information contact your doctor and see our related links below.
