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Breast Awareness Guide
This short guide is designed to help you understand your breasts and be more aware of when you may require a specialist examination. It is not a replacement for the usual consultation with your doctor. We hope you use the information to become more confident about your breast health.
Nine out of ten breast lumps are NOT a sign of cancer. Most breast problems turn out to be harmless and can be treated quickly and easily. If you do notice changes in your breasts that give you any cause for concern, you should go to see your doctor. Whatever the problem, the sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you are to get a better result.
Normal Lifetime Changes
Each month your breasts prepare for pregnancy and breast feeding. This can lead to enlargement and tenderness shortly before your period begins. Once the period is over they should return to normal, and once your periods stop during menopause these changes won't happen.
Pregnancy and breast feeding have a large effect on the size and shape of your breasts. Other hormonal changes can affect them too. Once you reach menopause breast tissue becomes less dense, less firm and more fatty, so your breasts feel softer. They may also get smaller as you get older. These changes are normal, but if you do have any concerns see your doctor.
Checking For Changes
You should start being breast aware from the age of 18, and you should check your breasts regularly for the rest of your life. Try to establish a routine of examining once a month - just after your period is best. If you no longer have periods, or they are irregular, make a note to check your breasts on the same day each month.
Follow these 4 simple steps:
1. Standing in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed by your sides look closely at your breasts. You are looking for any changes in their overall appearance.
2. With your hands on your hips, press down and tense the muscles across your chest. This will help make any changes easier to see.
3. Raise your hands above your head. Now examine the upper part of the breast where it leads into your armpit, again looking for changes in appearance.
4. Finally, feel each breast in turn using the opposite hand. Press gently but firmly with your hand spread out flat. Start deep in your armpit moving your hand in small circles. Work in a spiral around the breast in towards the nipple. Make sure you cover all areas including underneath. The best way to do this part is to lie flat on your bed or with soapy hands when taking a shower or bath.
What To Look For
When you examine your breasts you are looking for any changes in the look or feel, which is why its important to have a regular routine. Here are the common things to watch out for.
A lump or thick area in the breast that feels different from the rest of your breast tissue.
A change in size with one breast becoming larger or lower than the other. You might also notice a nipple has changed position, become 'pulled in' or changed shape.
Swellings under the armpit or around the collar bone.
Other signs can include: A rash around the nipple; discharge from one or both nipples; dimpled skin similar to an orange peel; constant pain from one of your breasts or in your armpit.
Benign (Non-Cancerous) Conditions
Mastalgia (breast pain and tenderness). Pain is the most common change for women and and may be linked to your periods. Your breasts may feel heavy, swollen or sore for a few days before each period. If the pain persists it is often felt as a 'burning' or 'drawing-in' feeling.
Lumpy Breasts. Women with lumpy breasts often find them very tender around the time of their periods. Being more breast aware will help you know what is normal for you. Other types of lumps, such as cysts and fibroadenomas, just appear.
Cysts. These are fluid filled sacs which can feel either soft or firm. They can sometimes be quite painful. There may be several cysts of different sizes in one or both breasts, and they can be quite common as you near the menopause. If the cysts are large fluid can be drawn off using a very fine needle.
Fibroadenomas. A fibroadenoma is a single firm lump which can be large and which can be moved around. Particularly large lumps that cause pain or change the shape of your breast may need to be removed. Fibroadenomas are usually found in women under 35 years old.
Nipple Disorders. Discharges from nipples can be yellow, milky or bloodstained. This is often the result of hormones and may not need treatment. A discharge may show that there is an infection which can be treated with antibiotics. Nipple rash or soreness is often caused by eczema, which is easy to treat. In rare cases it may indicate a more serious condition, so if you have any concerns you should consult your doctor.
What To Do If You Find A Change
If you find something has changed since the last time you examined your breasts, consult your doctor as soon as possible. Don't feel you are making a fuss, because early treatment of any condition increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. And after all, you know better than anyone else what is 'normal' for you.
If you need more information or advice about breast awareness, self-examination, or specialist examination take a look at the following websites:
Breast Cancer Care: www.breastcancercare.org.uk
Marie Curie Cancer Care: www.mariecurie.org.uk
Breakthrough Breast Cancer: www.breakthrough.org.uk
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