SELF
EXAMINATION
What
is breast awareness?
Few women have smooth and evenly textured breasts, therefore it is important
to get to know what is normal for you so that you can recognise normal
fluctuations in the breast and distinguish these from any new features
found in your breasts.
|
Why
is this important?
About 90% of breast cancers are detected by women themselves. If
these cancers are small and have not spread at the time of diagnosis,
the likelihood of cure or long term survival is increased. Being
alert to any changes in the breast and consulting your doctor immediately
with any worrying breast symptoms is therefore important.
When
should I start being breast aware?
Women should practice breast awareness from the age of eighteen
and continue throughout their lives.
When
do I look for changes?
Once a month look at your breast in the mirror. If you are still
having periods check your breasts two or three days after your period
has finished. If you have stopped having periods, or have an irregular
cycle set aside one day in each month to do the check. Be consistent
check your breasts around the same time each month. This will help
you to determine what is normal for you.
|
|
How
do I look for changes?
Stand in front of the mirror with your arms by your side and look closely
at your breasts, now place your hands on your hips and press. This tenses
the chest muscle and helps you identify any new features. Now lift your
arms above your head and turn from side to side, is there a change you
haven't noticed before?
For
example:
Are your breasts the same size?
Is one bigger then the other?
Has their position on the chest wall changed, for instanced is one breast
facing in a different direction or appears lower, oddly shaped or distorted?
Checking
the skin texture
Are there any obvious lumps or bulges visible?
Is the skin even? can you see any skin dimpling or puckering?
Does the skin appear thickened in any part of the breasts?
Is there a rash or redness over the breast?
Does the skin look a bit like orange peel?
 |
Checking
the nipples
Are either of the nipples drawn in?
Are they pointing in different directions?
Is there a discharge from the nipples?
Is there a rash on or around the nipples?
Now feel your
breasts in turn all over including behind the nipple.
With a soapy hand and the pads of your fingers gentle but firmly
feel your breasts using a circular movement.
Changes
to feel for:
A lump in the breast or armpit.
A lumpy or thickened area in the breast.
Swelling around the collar bone.
Changes
to note
Unusual pain discomfort or tenderness in the breasts other then
that associated with your periods.
|
New changes in your
breasts are unlikely to be breast cancer. In fact nine out of ten women
attending the breast clinic with a new breast problem will not have breast
cancer. However, it is important to get breast problems checked out by
seeking medical advice early.
If
you require further advice or information please contact the
Macmillan Breast Care Nurses, Hazel Ricard and Hilary Rickwood on 020
8565 5885
|
