Why is checking your breasts so important?

A useful guide with all you need to know this breast cancer awareness month

Why is checking your breasts so important?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, affecting 1 in 7 women. Breast cancer does not discriminate – it also affects men and can affect people at any age. 

Around 6,000 women aged 45 or younger are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK. This includes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Checking your breasts regularly can help detect breast cancer early, and helps improve survival. 

There is no right or wrong way of checking your breasts. The important thing is to check your breasts regularly to know what is normal for you. Get familiar with knowing what your breasts feel like and what they look like. This can help spot anything unusual when it appears. 

Breasts will feel very different at different stages of life, such as adolescence, during pregnancy, during the menopause etc., and during the menstrual cycle. Around the time of their period, some women may experience tender and lumpy breasts due to hormonal changes. 

The best time to check your breasts, as well as your armpits and under the collarbone, is around 7 days after your menstrual period. It’s important to check regularly so it’s best to check once a month. Incorporating your breast self-check into your monthly routine will help you remember. Check your breasts wherever you feel most comfortable – in the shower, in bed, whilst watching television. 

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

Make sure to check all over your breasts, including the nipple area, using the palms of your fingers, and then check for any changes in your armpits and under your collarbone. If you see or feel anything abnormal that doesn’t feel right, then get it checked out.

Symptoms and signs include: 

• A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit region

  

  Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

• Puckering or dimpling

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

• Rash over the skin, or any other skin changes

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

• Abnormal nipple discharge

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

• Changes to the nipple 

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

• Change in the size or shape of the breast. 

Get checking!

Image credit: Breast Cancer Now

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. For more useful resources and information check out Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel.