How to Check Your Breasts for Cancer
Breast self-examinations may seem daunting, but it’s a life-saving practice. While you may already be doing these checks, are you confident they are being done correctly and frequently enough?
With proper examinations, 23% of cases could be prevented. However, 39% of women do not regularly check their breasts for cancer. This is typically due to:
- Forgetting to check (53%)
- Not making it a habit (39%)
- Feeling unconfident (19%)
- Unsure how or what to check (16%)
- Not knowing what to look for (12%)
- Being worried about a change (11%)
How to Check Your Breasts for Cancer
We encourage everyone to learn the correct process for how to check your breasts for cancer. The following places to check is recommended for everyone:
- Look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms:
- By your sides
- Raised above your head
- Gently feel your breasts around the:
- Creases
- Gap between your breasts
- Nipples
- Surface areas
- Feel your entire collarbone area
- Feel your entire armpit area
You may feel more comfortable doing these checks while showering, bathing or changing clothes. However, no particular setting is more effective at identifying breast cancer than another.
If you forget to check, we recommend setting a weekly or monthly alarm and saving this guide for an efficient breast self-examination.
What Are the Common Signs of Breast Cancer?
Now you know what places to check, it’s equally important to know what to look for, such as:
- A change in shape, size or outline
- A change in look:
- Crusting
- Dimpling
- Pucking
- Rash
- Redness
- A change in feel of the skin:
- Bumps
- Itching
- Lumps
- Scaling
- Swelling
- Thickening
- A change in nipple position:
- Inverted
- Pointing in a different direction
- Fluid discharge from nipples
If you see any of these symptoms, you must book an appointment with your GP or a breast clinic. From there, you will have a consultation to determine if you need a breast screening, such as a mammogram.
Eradicate Breast Cancer Concerns with Suffolk Breast Practice
While breast cancer predominantly affects women, around 370 men in the UK are diagnosed with the disease each year, compared to 55,500 cases in women.
Our specialist Dr Hussein Tuffaha has been awarded the following:
- UK cosmetic surgery register
- iWantGreatCare certificate in 2022/2023
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Breast Surgery
- TopDoctors
Now you know how to check your breasts for cancer, there is no reason not to practise regularly. For any advice or concerns about symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us.
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