Checking Your Breasts for Cancer: Tips from the NHS
Learn how to check your breasts for cancer and what to look for.
Breast cancer is a common concern for many women, and it's essential to know how to check your breasts for any abnormal changes. Actress Lucy Davis, known for her role in The Office, has recently shared her personal experience with incurable breast cancer, which has spread to her bones. In a post on Instagram, she described the initial lump she felt as a "hard spot, really tiny."
It's crucial to note that signs of breast cancer are not always a lump in the traditional sense. The NHS advises checking your breasts about once a month to learn what looks and feels normal for you. This helps you notice any abnormal changes more easily.
## What to Look For
Breasts can naturally look and feel different at different phases of your menstrual cycle, and change a bit as you age. Instead of focusing on lumps, pay attention to the following:
| Change | Description | | --- | --- | | Lump or swelling | In your breast, chest, or armpit | | Skin change | Dimpling (like orange peel) or redness (harder to see on black or brown skin) | | Size or shape change | One or both breasts, or either side of your chest | | Nipple discharge | Not pregnant or breastfeeding, with blood in it | | Nipple change | Turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash appearing on it (like eczema) | | Sores or ulcers | On your chest |
## How to Check Your Breasts
To check your breasts, follow these steps:
1. Look at your breasts or chest in a mirror to look for any changes. 2. Start with your arms by your sides and then raise them up. 3. Feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit. Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts. 4. Feel around and over each nipple.
## When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of the following, see your GP:
* A lump or swelling in your breast, chest, or armpit * Any changes in your breasts, chest, or nipples that are not normal for you * Pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away
It's essential to be aware of your body and take proactive steps to check for any abnormal changes. Remember, early detection is key to effective treatment and better outcomes.
