It doesn’t matter whether you’re the proud owner of big voluptuous boobs, small perky ones, or a pair of pretty nips – the best thing you can do for your breasts is to get intimate with their shape, size and colour by checking them every month. Getting to know your breasts means you’ll be alert to any slight changes from the normal shape, colour and feel and be able to seek a doctor’s advice sooner rather than later. If you want to make it more fun, get your fella in on a game of doctors and nurses and ask him to check your breasts for you. While you’ve got your stethoscope handy why not return the favour by checking his bits for any lumps and bumps that might signal testicular cancer.
What to look and feel for:
- Firstly normal is different for all of us which is why you need to know what’s normal for you.
- Learn what to look and feel for but don’t become overly worried, there are many reasons for changes in your breasts which are harmless and often down to hormone changes throughout the month.
- You need to check each breast and armpit. Get into the habit of doing it in the shower, a soapy hand is easier to run over the skin of the breasts and up and under each arm.
- Feel for any lumps, thickening or bumpy areas that are different from the same area on your other side. Also check for any swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone (this is where your lymph nodes are). If you have any new discomfort or pain in one breast that doesn’t go away, count this as a change.
- Check your nipples and look for changes in shape or position, if your nipple turns in or points differently, if you have a new discharge that’s not milky, if it’s bleeding or has a moist red area that doesn’t heal easily, or if you have a rash on or around your nipple – these all count as changes that should not be ignored.
- If you find and changes in your breast that aren’t normal for you then you should always go and see your GP as soon as possible. Many women get lumps in their breasts but 9 out of 10 times these are not cancerous. If there is breast cancer present, an early diagnosis means the better the chance of a successful treatment.
How often, where and when?
There are no hard and fast rules - get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. Remember this can change during your menstrual cycle. Checking often is good. By checking regularly you will know your breasts better than your GP and will be in a better position to tell them what is normal for you.
handbag.com have teamed up with bsure female cancer insurance to bring you these tips on checking for signs of breast cancer and help raise awareness about breast cancer. Over 40000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK but by catching it early you have the best chance of successful treatment. If you want more information about bsure female cancer insurance just visit bsure.com.
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