Breast cancer self-check

Published on Sunday 10 June 2007 00:12

GET into the habit of feeling and looking at your breasts frequently and at different times during your monthly cycle. As a simple guide, follow the TLC rule, as recommended by Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

• Touch your breasts. Feel for anything unusual.

• Look for changes. Be aware of their shape and texture.

• Check anything unusual with your doctor. Chat with friends if you are worried.

There is no need to follow a fancy routine to examine your breasts; just be familiar with how they look and feel so that you will notice any changes. You can do this by looking and feeling in any way that makes you feel comfortable - in the bath or shower, when dressing, standing or lying down. If you find anything unusual or are worried, you should talk to your GP.

Changes to look out for include:

Size or shape - one breast might become larger or lower than the other.

Skin texture - such as puckering or dimpling of the skin.

Appearance or direction of the nipples - one nipple might become inverted (turned-in).

Discharge - one or both nipples might begin to discharge a blood-stained liquid.

Rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area.

Lump in the breast or armpit - a lumpy area or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn't go away after a period.

Pain in any part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to your period.

Remember that nine out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous.

For more information, log on to the Breakthrough Breast Cancer website (www.breakthrough.org.uk)