How to Check Yourself
The Breast Itself
The breasts, also known as mammary glands are glandular organs that produce milk in response to the hormone changes of childbirth. They are mainly made up of fatty tissue that starts on the front of the chest and extends down and into your armpit. They are supported by ligaments and large muscles.
The Breast Awareness 5 Point Code
1 Know what is normal for you
2 Know what changes to look and feel for
3 Look and feel
4 Report any changes to your Doctor asap
5 If you are 50 or over make sure you attend routine breast screening
What changes should I be aware of:
You need to be aware of any changes that are new or different for you, such as:
A change in size - it may be that one breast has become noticeably larger or noticeably lower.
Your nipple (s) have become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape.
You have a rash on or around the nipple
You have discharge from one or both nipples
There is puckering or dimpling of the skin
You have a swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone
You have a lump or there is thickening in your breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
You have constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit
What should I do if I find a change :
You will know better than anyone how your breasts look and feel normally. If you do notice a change, go and see your doctor right away.
Don’t think that you are wasting your doctors time or making a fuss as most changes in the breast will not be cancer, even if you do need treatment or a follow up appointment.
When you go to your doctor and he/she examines you, they may be able to reassure you and that there is nothing to worry about. They may think it is hormonal and ask you to make another appointment during a different time in your menstrual cycle.
They may decide that you should go to the breast clinic for a more detailed examination and tests in order to make a diagnosis.
Depending on the outcome you may want some further information and you can contact
www.breastcancercare.org.uk or www.maggiecentre.org.
| 
) 
