Breast checking. What to do and why
This month is breast cancer awareness month
One of the things I found interesting is a lot of my female friends either don’t check themselves at all, or regularly. Or, they don’t know what they are feeling for. Whether you check yourself or your partner notices a difference when they are touching your breasts, the reaction needs to be the same. Don’t put your head in the sand, don’t wonder and do nothing.
Rather book an appointment and let the GP decide whether it’s something or nothing
I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to know your own body. And I mean every nook and cranny!! No matter how prudish, it’s your body. Know it and you can look after it 😀
You should be self-checking your breasts regularly (monthly) from 18. Our breasts feel different before and after our period. So feeling them at both these times let’s you become aware of how they feel to you. Ie what is normal for you 🙂
Before your period, your breasts get more tender, may feel fuller and also feel lumpy. This is normal. After your period they feel softer again. Knowing how your boobs feel pre and post menstruation then makes you aware when you feel something different. Also, as I mentioned before. Your partner should know them well too. Ask them to double check too. No need to be embarrassed. They love you and no doubt will not have a problem having a wee feel 😉
It’s been shown that fingers slide easier over wet skin. So checking whilst in the bath or shower is an ideal time to check (and yes, if you want, your partner can come into the shower too. Ahem)
>>>>>>Ok ladies. What to do…..
Raise your left arm and with the flat side of your hand move gently over your breast in a circular motion. Check for any lump, hard knot,or thickening. Repeat on the opposite breast. Do not squeeze or prod your breasts. It is also important to feel around your collarbone and armpit for any swellings or lumps.
In front of a mirror (yes I did say that). Put your hands on your hips and press inwards until the chest muscles tighten.(think super-girl pose) This will make any changes more prominent. Now put your hands on your head (sunbathing style) and look for dimples and bulges. Particularly underneath your breast. Dimples that are symmetrical in each breast are usually harmless. As always if in doubt. Get it checked out. Next put your arm over your head and check your beasts from all angles. (I know some ladies think this is a lot to do or embarrassing, but I promise you will get over your embarrassment and practice makes perfect. There shouldn’t be stigmas re talking about health checks)
Lying down…..
Place a pillow under your left shoulder and put your left arm above your head. Examine your breast in a circular motion. Look for any change in nipple direction puckering or swelling around the nipple. Repeat on the right side. Also squeeze each nipple gently to check for discharge (again. If in doubt. Get it checked out)
Always remember if there is any change from the normal for you, arrange an appointment with the nurse or GP and get it checked out.
As much as I’ve been slightly lighthearted, I want all us ladies to know and check our breasts
The good news is that 9/10 breast lumps aren’t caused by cancer and will prove to be benign. Breast problems can be painful, but once discovered can usually be treated easily and rapidly. The two most common lumps found are cysts(fluid filled lumps) and fibro adenomas(firm painless fibrous&glandular tissue formed lumps). These are both treatable.
>It is estimated 1 in 8-10 woman in the uk will develop breast cancer during her lifetime
>Every year 200 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. So gentlemen. Any changes you notice. Get checked out please.
Self checking is making yourself aware of your own body and detecting changes as and when…..
BUT
Only when you go to the gp and report the changes can something be done.
If you don’t check, you don’t know. A routine that includes self checking will become second nature. Prevention is better than cure…..
Bupa have released a fact sheet regarding breast awareness. (See below)
This factsheet is for women who would like information about being breast aware.
Breast awareness means knowing how your breasts look and feel, and knowing what changes to look out for.
About breast awareness
How to be breast aware
Five-point breast awareness code
Common breast changes
Breast changes to seek advice about
About breast awareness
Being breast aware means being familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and knowing how they change at different times of the month. Knowing what is normal for you will help you spot any unusual changes if they happen.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. It affects one in eight women at some time in their life. Being breast aware can help to find breast cancer early. The earlier it’s found, the simpler the treatment and the better your chance of a full recovery.
How to be breast aware
Breast awareness means getting into the habit of feeling and looking at your breasts from time-to-time so you know what’s normal for you.
There isn’t a formal set of instructions for checking your breasts. Check yourself in any way that’s comfortable and convenient for you. For example, you may find it easier to:
- look for changes in your breasts before a bath or shower, using a mirror to view your breasts from different angles
- feel for changes in your breasts in the bath or shower, using soapy hands
- check your breasts when you’re lying down in bed
- Once you’re familiar with the usual feel and appearance of your breasts, you will notice if anything changes.
- If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about checking your breasts, you may find it helpful to discuss your worries with your GP or a nurse.
Five-point breast awareness code
Follow the five-point breast awareness code.
1. Know what’s normal for you.
2. Check both the look and feel of your breasts.
3. Know what changes to look and feel for.
4. Report any changes to your GP straight away.
5. Attend routine breast screening if you’re 50 or over.
Common breast changes
Your breasts will change throughout life and will be affected by your menstrual cycle, your age, pregnancy, the menopause and taking the contraceptive pill. So it’s important to remember that changes in how your breasts look and feel aren’t always a cause for concern. For example, it’s normal for your breasts to feel tender or lumpy just before your period, especially near your armpits. This happens when the milk-producing tissue in your breasts becomes active.
During and after the menopause, your breasts may change in size. They may also feel softer and less lumpy as activity in the milk-producing tissue of your breasts stops.
If you have a hysterectomy before the menopause, your breasts may still feel tender or lumpy each month, even though your periods have stopped. This is because your ovaries are still working and producing hormones. You may notice monthly changes in your breasts until the time when your periods would have stopped naturally (the menopause).
Breast changes to seek advice about
See your GP if you notice any changes that aren’t normal for you, especially if the changes are only in one breast. Breast changes to look out for include:
- a change in the size, shape or feel of your breast
- dimpling, puckering or redness of the skin
- a rash or crusting on your nipple or surrounding area
- a change in your nipple, such as a change in the shape or if it turns into the breast (becomes inverted)
- a discharge from your nipple (unless you’re breastfeeding)
- bleeding from your nipple area
- pain in part of your breast or armpit
- swelling, thickening or a lump in your breast or armpit
These symptoms don’t mean that you have breast cancer. But if you have them, see your GP
Many thanx to BUPA www.bupa.co.uk/ for their ongoing health information.
I found the fact sheet very helpful and I hope you will find the same.
In nursing training, we were taught ‘prevention is better than cure’. Early detection is the key. So don’t delay, check today.
Useful sites
www.BUPA.co.uk
www.home health-uk.com/
www.NHS.uk/
www.breast cancer.org/
Soapgirl. (Kay Cooke)
