Breast Cancer Awareness Steps

Breast Cancer Care has a simple 5 point code for you to work through, whatever age you are. More and more cases in women under 50 are being reported, so get into the habit of being vigilant early in life and make it a habit thereafter.

Step 1:
Know how your breasts normally feel.

Step 2:
Be aware of the changes you should look for.

According to the leaflet Breast Awareness published by Breast Cancer Care, these are:

• A change in size
• it may be that one breast has become noticeably larger or noticeably lower
• A nipple which has become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape
• A rash on or around the nipple
• Discharge from one or both nipples;
• Puckering or dimpling around the skin
• A swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone where the lymph nodes are;
• A lump or thickening in your breast that feels different to the rest of the breast tissue;
• Constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit.

Step 3:
Look and feel.

Check your breasts regularly by feeling all parts of the breast, from high up on the front of your chest, down and around into your armpit. Do it when it is comfortable and convenient for you perhaps when you’re showing or having a bath, undressing or dressing, in front of a mirror or putting body lotion on.

Get your partner to do the same.

Step 4:
If you notice a change, get it checked by your GP. If you would rather, call the Helpline (see below) or make an appointment with the practice nurse.

Your GP should examine your breasts and he or she may be able to reassure you that there is nothing to worry about. Many changes will not be of a cancerous nature; most will be normal changes or benign breast conditions and a change could also be connected to your monthly cycle. But please remember:

You are not wasting your GP’s time if you ask him or her to check out a lump or a concern.

Your GP may decide to send you to a breast clinic for a further, more detailed examination. Breast Cancer Care has a brochures available about this next stage called Referral To a Breast Clinic.

There is an excellent support network out there, so you never feel alone. Visit the Breast Cancer Care web site for more details.

Step 5:
If you are aged 50 or over, attend routine breast screening, offered in the form of a mammogram every 3 years until you are 70 (and 64 in Wales). 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and the risk rises as you get older.

For more information:
Call the Helpline: 0808 800 6000
Textphone: 0808 800 6001
Web Address: www.breastcancercare.org.uk

Breast Cancer Care has produced an excellent leaflet entitled Breast Awareness, available by calling these numbers or visiting their web site.