Video
Dr Dawn:
One in nine women will get breast cancer at some time in their life, but despite this over a third of women in the UK don’t self-examine. If you don’t check your breasts regularly, or you’re not sure how to, keep watching. Early diagnosis really can be lifesaving.
Women’s breasts change shape, size and sensitivity throughout their lifetime but they also change during the monthly menstrual cycle so it’s a good idea to self-examine your breasts at the same time of the month, every month; that way you know you’re comparing like for like, and a good time is about one week after the end of your period.
Standing in front of the mirror, raise both your arms in the air. All breasts are naturally asymmetrical but you’re looking for any physical changes, any difference in size, has one got larger or lower? Look at the nipple, does it look any different? Has it inverted or changed position or shape? Is there any sign of a rash or a discharge? And check the skin for puckering or dimpling, and for any swelling in the breast tissue.
Now put your hands on the hips and push in so that you tense the muscle underneath and look again. You’re doing the same checks just to make sure.
You also need to be aware of how your breasts feel. Is there any continuous pain or discomfort in the breasts, or under the arms? So everything feels and looks OK? Good.
Self examination of the breasts can be done standing up or lying down. We’re going to start with the left breast and you need to imagine the face of a clock on your breast, so this is twelve o’clock, three, six and nine. Starting at twelve o’clock, using three or four fingers in the flat of your hand, you just need to roll the breast tissue in a circular motion over itself all the way around the breast, checking for lumps until you get to the top. When you’re back at the top move your hand in closer and repeat the cycle, checking for any unusual lumps, bumps or even thickening of the tissue. You keep going right the way round moving further in each time until you get to the nipple. Would you like to take over?
You don’t have to imagine a clock: you can use any basic sweeping method across the breast, just make sure you cover the whole breast. So once you’ve done the main breast area, examine the armpit because breast tissue is up under here too and then check the nipple for discharge by gently squeezing the twelve o’clock and six o’clock, and three o’clock and nine o’clock positions…
And it all seems fine. So you can check the other one. If there are any guys watching this, you should also self-examine because men have breast tissue too. In fact, each year around 290 men get diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Unfortunately half don’t survive because it wasn’t diagnosed and treated quickly enough.
If you do discover a lump or any other symptom, make an appointment to see your doctor straight away. Don’t panic, nine out of ten breast lumps that are referred to a breast specialist turn out to be benign but it is important that they are checked out, if it is cancer, early detection can stop it spreading. Breast cancer can be a killer, so female or male, make sure you check yours once a month.
How To Check Your Breasts
1 in 8 women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives, and at least a third of women will not self-check their breasts. Early diagnosis is essential in treating breast cancer, and that’s where monthly self-checks come in. If you’re not sure where to start – don’t worry! Dr Dawn Harper’s guide will give you advice on exactly how to self-check your boobs.
As Simple as TLC...
Breakthrough Breast Cancer advocate a simple TLC method that will help you spot abnormalities as early as possible.
TOUCH your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?
LOOK for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?
CHECK anything unusual with your doctor.
No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training. It’s good to get into the habit of doing this regularly – maybe when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning. You might prefer to do it while standing up or lying down. Either way, the important thing is to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel normally, so you notice anything unusual – and remember to check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.
Find out more about the TLC method on the Breakthrough Breast Cancer website >
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I have a white discharge that comes out of the peak of my nipple and ducts of the surround. It only comes out if its squeezed or if sucked on... It builds up if i dont squeeze it. Ive been having this for over a year. Im not on any contraception or medication, im not pregnant nor ever have been. Im 23 years old.
You may have a infection, inflammation or hormonal inbalance of some sort going on???? I would be going to see a GP..
I am seveteen and have a very sore hard lump on my right breast that only just appeared yesterday, it hurts to touch. My period is due in a few days and I currently take microgynon to help with my periods. This is just my second month of taking it so maybe this is the reason? I don't want to tell my mam to worry her about something that could be nothing or go away in a few days
I would tell your Mum... she would worry more and be upset if it is something more and could of being prevented if known about earlier... Amy it might be a blocked gland, or a side effect from the medication you never know..
I have a black spot type thing under my left breast, I've had it for about four years do you know what this is? I am 13
Naomi, glad you are mindful of this.. Not a good spot as it possibly get aggravated over time by your bra etc.. I would be going to the Doctor to have this diagnosed and checked to see it is all above board.. It maybe nothing, but at least you then have the knowledge of what it is and what to look for in future.. Naomi... just go and talk to a professional medical person on this..PLease
Both my breasts are very sore to touch n feel like their really hot sometimes I'm 21 n have an iud fitted so can't realy b pregnant does anyone know what else it could be ????
Inflamation of the glands underneath?? Go and get it checked out, it wont hurt and you can take a mountain of worry off your mind..
I'm 21 have a small round lump in my armpit noticed it a year ago not changed in shape or anything. Doctors these days can't wait to get you out the door from my experience
Change Doctors !! Kerry go and check this out....Lumps and breasts, even though you said arm pit, I still would not muck about.. Stop talking and worrying go and do something of action and go and see about this...PLEASE
I'm 23 years old, my aunty died of breast cancer and my nan had it to but recovered, the last 2 months I've had pain in my left boob, every day the pain gets worse especially when I take my bra off or knock my boob, it's now started burning as well, I went to my doctors and she said she could feel a lumpy mass there but it was properly down to my periods, I'm really worried that it could be more. Do I have the right to ask for a scan and more checks?
Yes, talk to your doctor and explain what and why you would like. Because you have a family history of breast cancer there should be no problems with it at all
Hi the side of my left breast is sore to touch and raised. When I lie down on my right side and touch the side of my left breast you can really feel it been raised then I would lie in my left sid and do the same with my right breast and it isnt raised or painfull. Shall I go get ut checked
Did anyone consider that it could be their bra causing pain? Badly fitting bras can cause back pain and breast pain. Have a proper fitting at a lingerie store (ok so the bra u buy will be more expensive but at least you will know for sure that it and styles like it will fit) as a young woman this is a vital step to knowing your breasts. To the 13 year olds, if you still have the same pain as a 15 year old, tell ur parents. Your body is developing. Sometimes it hurts. Just wait till period pain and migraines and hormonal mood swings kick in. You will wish for sore boobies!
Im 43 yrs old have had breast pain for months now finally got a referral from docs to braest clinic They have booked me in for a Mammo and ultrasound next week. I also have a lump that quite deep in the lower left breast it feels like its attached to chest wall or something also today noticed a dent on that breast above where lump is. Very worried as my mums sister had breast cancer
Breast even
Well done for getting it checked out. Hope all is ok.
I have what looks like a small rice crispie just under my left breast. It hasnt always been there.
Could be a skin tag ... They are common maybe where something rubs the skin. Google images and see if its similar... If in doubt get it checked.