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breast care
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and the latest figures show that over 45,500 women a year are diagnosed with the disease – that's around 125 a day. Around 300 men were also diagnosed with the disease.
The good news is that there are more than half a million women alive today who are surviving breast cancer. But thousands of women still lose their lives to the disease every year.
How can you check yourself for breast cancer?
Firstly many women know that a breast lump needs to be checked out by a doctor as it could be a sign of cancer, but of course many breast lumps aren't cancer. If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about checking your breasts, you may find it helpful to discuss your worries with your GP or a nurse.
What to look for
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lumps
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thickening
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a change in size or shape of your breasts (after puberty), e.g. one breast becoming larger or lower
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skin changes such as puckering or dimpling (skin looks like the texture of orange peel)
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a rash or crusting on the nipple or surrounding area
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nipple changes, such as a change in the position of your nipple, or a newly inverted (turned-in) nipple
- discharge from one or both nipples (unless you are breastfeeding and it's milky discharge)
- discomfort or pain in your breast or armpit
- swelling, thickening or a lump in your breast or armpit
If you notice any of these changes, you should see your GP straight away. It's important to remember that all women's breasts are different and that changes to your breasts are not always a cause for concern. They can be related to your menstrual cycle, age, pregnancy, the menopause and taking the contraceptive pill.
The NHS run a national breast screening programme which offers mammography once every three years to women between the ages of 50 and 70 years. If you are eligible for breast screening it's important that you attend your appointments.
If you have any questions or concerns about checking your breasts or breast cancer, talk to your GP.
How often should you check yourself?
There is no evidence to show that checking your breasts to an exact schedule or using specific self-examination techniques is any more effective than simply being breast aware.
It’s all about breast awareness – knowing what your breasts looks like what they feel like, and reporting changes to your doctor.
Being breast aware means getting into the habit of checking the look and feel of your breasts on a regular basis. Being familiar with your breasts means that if there are any changes, you are able to spot them straightaway.
Check yourself in a way that's comfortable and convenient for you. You may find it convenient to look at your breasts when you are getting ready for a bath or shower. Also, using a mirror can make it easier to view your breasts from different angles.
Note:
Probably don't check your breasts just before a period, because they can feel a little lumpy then, but after a period is a good time."
Other things to think about
It's very important to attend breast screening when you're invited to. Women from age 50 are invited to go for breast cancer screening every three years in the UK, and breast cancer screening saves lives, so it's important that when you get your appointment.
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may be invited for screening from a younger age.
What to do if you think there might be something wrong
If you find something that you don't think is normal for you, it's important to go to your GP.
They will reassure you that it's nothing to worry about, or they can send you to the breast clinic for further investigations.
Note! Most breast problems are not cancer, but please get them checked out without delay because early treatment saves lives.
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