Looking after your breasts
The Manual Check
- Using the flat of your hand and with your fingers straight and together, make circular movements with your hand to check the tissue in and around your breasts for any unusual changes, bumps or irregularities.
- Starting with the right breast, raise your right arm above your head, and use your left hand to feel the top and outer part of your breast, then under your arm.
- Move your left hand in a complete circle round the outside of your breast, then move a couple of centimetres in towards the nipple and repeat. Continue until you reach the nipple.
- Squeeze your nipple gently to check for any discharge.
Repeat the same moves on your left breast using your right hand.
If you find anything unusual make an appointment straight away to see your doctor. The vast majority of the time there will be nothing sinister; you may have a harmless cyst for example. Breast cancer is a very treatable cancer, so if you do find something, don't panic - you spotted it early.
Summary:
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women
- It's rare in under thirties
- There are several factors that increase your risk of developing breast cancer
- There are also factors that make you less likely to get breast cancer
- Getting to know how your breasts look and feel and carrying out regular self examination are the best way to identify any changes.
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