By Lynsey Keep
Breast Awareness: It Could Save Your Life
Many of us are guilty of not checking our breasts regularly. When we hear about a campaign it may prick our consciences, but in general the subject is not at the top of our priority lists.
Why is it that women place such a high importance on getting their hair or nails done, or spending time perfecting that ‘year round tan’ under a sunbed?
It’s a fact that more women make regular commitments to undertake such beauty treatments, than those who check their breasts.
It’s bizarre to think that the one thing that we are only required to do once a month, could be the one thing that saves our lives.
But it appears that more women religiously book in for their ‘highlights’ or ‘leg wax’, we just don’t realise how important preventative health measures really are.
What should we be doing?
All women (ideally from age 18 upwards) should perform a breast self examination every month.
In days gone by some women would have this done by their surgery nurse at the same time as a cervical smear, but you will find nowadays, nurses encourage women to do this themselves, so that it is done on a regular basis, and to encourage women to get to know their own breasts.
Ideally it is recommended that you examine your breasts just after a period. Never do this in the days leading up to a period as the breasts can be ‘lumpy’ and tender, and may give rise for concern, than if the breasts were checked at a different time of the cycle.
It is best to check the breasts in 2 different positions. Firstly it is advisable to lay down on your back in a comfortable position, totally relaxed (e.g. on the bed, lying flat). Run the flat of your hand starting at the armpit making circular motions over the surface of the breast, applying slight pressure. Move the hand slowly across and under each breast, ensuring the entire surface has been felt.
It is essential to also feel underneath the armpit as sometimes lumps can occur there.
The second recommended position is to check the breasts whilst having a bath or shower. That way the hand is wet, and will glide across the breast tissue, without causing too much discomfort.
Additional things to look out for
Women often believe that they are only looking for unusual lumps when performing breast examinations. This is not the case.
The nipple can be a prominent indicator that something is wrong with the breast. When checking the breast you also need to ensure that the nipples do not exude any blood or unusual discharge. If you do notice anything like this, then you must consult your doctor urgently.
If you do notice this, then there may be a perfectly innocent explanation for it, so first and foremost, don’t panic.
The general appearance of the breast skin surface is important to check. Is the skin tougher than usual (almost ‘elephant-like’)? Is there any discolouration to the breast surface? Is there an appearance of a rash? Does the breast tissue appear to ‘pucker’?
Also, have a look at your breasts whilst sitting or standing in front of a mirror. Ideally doing this with no clothing on, to gain a better view.
Does one breast hang lower than the other? Has the general appearance of the breast altered?
Anything different to your ‘normal’ should be checked out, without delay.
There are often very simple explanations to changes in the breast. For example many women are prone to breast cysts, which usually present with a lump, that over time can become uncomfortable and increase in size. Many women get cysts that simply go away by themselves.
By checking the breasts once a month, you could be preventing the start of a life threatening condition such as breast cancer, which kills many women of all ages every year.
After all, prevention is better than a cure.
It is vital that you consult your family doctor, or nurse if you ever find anything of concern in relation to your breasts.