How To Check Your Brea$t For Signs Of Cancer

Brea$t cancer: all women are aware of it, but would they know how to detect it?

With one in eight women being diagnosed in the UK, we know we should be looking out for it.

We’re all told that we should be checking our brea$ts regularly – especially during brea$t awareness month.

But sometimes it can be hard to know what to check for – from where you should be looking and how you should be checking to what feels normal and what doesn’t.

Here is a step-by-step guide using advice from breast cancer experts to make sure your breasts are in tip top health.

Step 1 : Know What Is Normal For You
 As the   NHS' guidance  says, ''be brea$t aware''

This involves regularly feeling and looking at your b00bs so you know what feels irregular or not. Everyone’s b00bs are different and will have a different definition of normal.

For example, for some women having tender or lumpy brea$t around their period is normal.

Cursory : Katty Perry Showing her b00bs

Step 2: Find a suitable mirror to get a good look

It’s not just about feeling your b00bs – a healthy appearance is important too.

The easiest way of doing this is finding a suitably sized mirror and stand with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.

The signs you should be looking for according to breastcancer.org  are:

Good, healthy: 

Your brea$ts are a usual size, shape and colour

They are evenly shaped with no distortion or swelling

Cause for concern: 

Dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin

Changed position of nipple or inverted n!pple

Redness, soreness, rash or swelling

Signs of fluid coming out of one or both your n!pples (watery, milky, yellow or blood)

Don’t forget to look under your arms too for similar changes.

Step 3: Find somewhere to lie down – or stand if preferable – to do the check

Step 3

There's no need to change your regular routine -  you can feel your brea$t in the bath, standing up while putting on moisturizer or in bed. Whatever's best for you - though breastcancer.org recommends checking your brea$t standing, sitting and lying down to allow full exam.

They recommend using a ‘firm, smooth touch with the first few fingers pads of your hands, keeping fingers flat and together’ in a ‘circular motion’ over your breasts and up under your armpits.

You should check the entire brea$t from your collarbone to your abdomen.

Step 4: Know what to look for

These are the signs that the NHS warns you to look out for:

A new lump, thickening of the skin or a bumpy area that is different to the equivalent area on the other side

A moist, red area that doesn’t heal easily

Discomfort or pain in one brea$t, especially if it’s new and doesn’t go away

Step 5: Don’t panic

Finding an abnormality or lump that shouldn’t be there can be pretty terrifying. But there’s no need to panic just yet.

Lumps are very common in women, and nine out of ten of them don’t end up being cancerous.

Step 6: Go see a GP

But that’s no reason for complacency. If you’re concerned in any way, it’s always best to get it checked out. Even if just for your peace of mind.

- Metro.co.uk