While most changes in the breast will be benign, early detection can mean more effective treatment if cancer is found.
Men need to be breast aware too as around 290 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.
Being breast aware means familiarising yourself with your breasts and the changes they go through during your life. You should know how your breasts look and feel normally so that you can pick up any changes quickly.
There is no set way to check your breasts, but you should find time to do it on a regular basis.
The breast awareness 5-point code
Changes to be aware of:
What to do:
If you do notice a change in your breasts, try not to worry but see your GP as soon as you can.
Your GP may ask you to come back at a different time in your menstrual cycle, or send you to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.
Please remember: most breast changes are not cancer, even if they need follow up treatment or further investigation.
Support:
Free Helpline Number - 0808 800 6000
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk
(Information taken from http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk)
Men need to be breast aware too as around 290 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.
Being breast aware means familiarising yourself with your breasts and the changes they go through during your life. You should know how your breasts look and feel normally so that you can pick up any changes quickly.
There is no set way to check your breasts, but you should find time to do it on a regular basis.
The breast awareness 5-point code
- 1. Know what is normal for you.
2. Know what changes to look and feel for.
3. Look and feel.
4. Report any changes to your GP without delay.
5. Attend for routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over.
Changes to be aware of:
- * size - if one breast becomes larger, or lower
* nipples - if a nipple becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes position or shape
* rashes - on or around the nipple
* discharge - from one or both nipples
* skin changes - puckering or dimpling
* swelling - under the armpit or around the collarbone (where the lymph nodes are)
* pain - continuous, in one part of the breast or armpit
* lump or thickening - different to the rest of the breast tissue.
What to do:
If you do notice a change in your breasts, try not to worry but see your GP as soon as you can.
Your GP may ask you to come back at a different time in your menstrual cycle, or send you to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.
Please remember: most breast changes are not cancer, even if they need follow up treatment or further investigation.
Support:
Free Helpline Number - 0808 800 6000
http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk
(Information taken from http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk)
