Word On The Importance Of Regularly Checking Your Breasts

Our grateful thanks to Breast Cancer Now (www.breastcancernow.org) for their contribution to our radio report which you can hear again via thr audio player at the bottom of this page.

The best approach for checking your breasts for signs of cancer involves regular self-examinations, knowing what’s normal for you, and seeking medical advice if you notice any changes. Here’s a step-by-step guide recommended by health experts:

1. Know What’s Normal for You.  Breasts naturally change over time due to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, and aging. Understanding your usual shape, size, and texture helps you recognize anything unusual.

2. Check Your Breasts Regularly. Aim to check once a month, ideally at the same time in your cycle (for menstruating women, a few days after your period ends is best, as breasts are less swollen). Postmenopausal women should choose a consistent date each month.

3. Use a Three-Step Approach

A. Look (Visual Check)

• Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides and then raised above your head.
• Look for changes in shape, size, or skin texture (e.g., dimpling, puckering, swelling).
• Check for any nipple changes, such as inversion, discharge, or rash.
• Lean forward slightly to observe any differences in how your breasts move.

B. Feel While Standing or Sitting

• Use the opposite hand to check each breast (right hand for left breast, left hand for right breast).
• With three fingers, apply light, medium, and firm pressure in a circular motion, covering the entire breast from collarbone to underarm and down to the ribcage.
• Check for lumps, thickened areas, or tenderness.

C. Feel While Lying Down

• Lie down with a pillow under your shoulder and your arm raised behind your head.
• Use the same circular motion and pressure technique as when standing.
• Pay extra attention to the area near your armpit, where lymph nodes are located.

4. Know What to Look For

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
• Changes in breast size, shape, or skin (dimpling, puckering, redness).
• Persistent pain in one area of the breast.
• Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or occurring without squeezing).
• Nipple inversion or changes in position.

5. See a Doctor if You Notice Any Changes. Most breast changes are not cancer, but early detection is crucial. If you notice anything unusual, see your GP as soon as possible. They may refer you for further tests, such as a mammogram or ultrasound.

6. Regular Screening is Essential. Women aged 50-71 are invited for NHS breast screening every three years, but those at higher risk may be offered earlier screenings. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak to your doctor about additional monitoring.

Regular self-checks combined with medical screenings increase the chance of detecting breast cancer early, improving treatment outcomes 

Listen to this weeks radio report