How to Reduce Your Risk

I wanted to put something on here about how you can help to reduce your risk.

Early detection has been critical to my mum's success and it really does save lives.  Be breast aware and self-exam once a month just as your period ends (or at the same time each month if you do not have periods).

  1. Know what is normal for you
  2. Look at and feel your breasts - following the 2 steps below
  3. Know what changes to look for
  4. Report any changes without delay
  5. Take advanatge of breast screening if your are 50 or over.

Check yourseldSTEP ONE: Lying Down

  • Feel for a hard lump, thickening or any change in your breast tissue.
  • Lie down on your back with a pillow under your right sholuder.
  • Use the pads of teh three middle fingers on your left hand to examine your right breast.
  • Press using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion.
  • Follow an up and down pattern.
  • Feel for changes in your breast, above and beloow the collarbone and in your armpit area.
  • Repeat on your left breast using your right hand.
  • Using soapy hands can make it easier - I check myself once a month whilst lying in the bath.

STEP TWO: In Front of the Mirror

  • Look for changes in the shape, size or appearance of your breasts.  Look for dimpling, rash or puckering of the skin or nipple, nipple discharge or any change from normal.
  • To inspect your breasts hold arms at your sides and look at them in the mirror
  • Hold arms over you head and look at them in the mirror
  • Press your hands on your hips to tight your chest muscles and look at them again in the mirror
  • Bend forward with your hands on your hips and check again.

What Changes Should I Look For?

If you check yourself every month you will know how your breasts normally look and feel and should eb able to spot any unsual changes.  Most changes are not caused by cancer (9 out of 10 lumps are harmless), but it is very important to report anything unusual to your doctor as soon as possible.  The earlier it is detected the better the prognosis tends to be - so don't wait around.

Look for

  • changes in size, shape or feel of your breasts
  • a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit
  • any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin
  • changes in teh position of the nipple, a rash or nipple discharge
  • pain or discomport that is new to you and felt only on one side.

Source: The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation & CR UK Detecting breast cancer leaflet.