Be breast aware
Whatever your age, size or shape it's important to take care of your breasts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so its important to look after yor breasts by being breast aware.
Being breast aware is an important part of caring for your body. It means getting to know how your breast look and feel, so you know what is normal for you. You can feel more confidnet about noticing any unusual changes.
There is not right or wrong way to check your breasts. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breast regularly. You can do this in the bath or shower, when using body lotion, or when you get dressed. There's really no need to change your everyday routine. Just decide wheat you are comfortable with and what suits you best.
Remember to check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collerbone.
You are not wasting anyone's time.
It is important to know that most changes are not cancer. But, reassurance
and advice will always help, and the sooner a possible cancer is reported, the
more simple treatment is likely to be. Changes to look for:
- A change in size or shape
- A lump or thickening
- Puckering or skin dimpling
- Nipple becoming drawn or changing direction
- Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
- Rash on or around the nipple
- Sudden roughness of the skin
- Swelling under the armpit or around the collar bone
- Constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit
More information can be found on the Cancerbackup website