The sooner that breast cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of successful treatment.  If you get in the habit of examining your breasts and keeping aware of how they change during the monthly cycle, then you are likely to notice something abnormal early.

You aim to check your breasts every week, using the following simple and quick plan. The changes that you are looking out for include, a lump or thickening of the breast or underarm, nipple discharge, tenderness or soreness, or any other changes.

1. Look at your Breasts

a)    Stand in front of the mirror, with your top half naked, in good light. Look at the reflection of your breasts in the mirror. Turn from side to side as you examine your breasts.

b)    With arms relaxed at your side, look for:

-          any change to the shape or size of the breast

-          puckering or dimpling of the skin

-          changes to the nipple, such as scaling

-          change in the direction of the nipple

c)    With arms over your head, check to see whether breasts move up together

d)    With your hands on your hips pressing in to tighten the chest muscles, turn from side to side to view all areas of your breasts.  Look for any dinpling of the skin

2. Feel your Breast

a)    Standing

Using the flat pads of your three middle fingers and NOT the finger tips, for the examination

-                      whilst standing, put your right hand behind your head to examine your right breast

-                      with the pads of the fingers of your left hand flat and together, firmly press on the breasts using small circular motions.

-                      Imagine the breast as the face of the clock. Begin at the top, 12 o’ clock, slide to 1 o’clock and so on, making a circle around the outer area of the breast

-                      When you have completed the first circle, continue in smaller and smaller circles round the breast until you reach the nipple. Press the nipples gently to check for any discharge.

-                      Cover all areas, including the breast tissue leading to the underarm area

-                      Now use your right hand and repeat the above sequence for the left breast

Changes you are looking for include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, and nipple discharge.

TIP:  fingers will glide more easily over wet soapy skin, making it easier to feel for any changes in your breast. So it is an idea to part 2 of the breast check when you are in the shower.

b)    Lying down

-                      while lying flat, place a small pillow or folded towel under the right shoulder inorder to raise it, then place your right hand behind your head.

-                      Feel the right breast using the same circular motion as was used whilst standing. Cover all areas.

-                      Repeat this procedure for the left breast

If you notice any changes from the last check that you did, whether it is painful or not, then you should go to a doctor as soon as possible.