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Breast awareness and screeningPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, December 2007. This factsheet is for women who would like information about being breast aware and screening for breast cancer. Breast awareness means knowing how your breasts look and feel, and knowing what changes to look out for. Breast screening means looking for signs of breast cancer using mammography (X-rays of the breasts).
About breast awarenessBeing breast aware means being familiar with how your breasts look and feel, and knowing how they change at different times of the month. Knowing what is normal for you means you can spot if any changes happen. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK, affecting one in nine women at some time in their life. Breast awareness and screening can help find breast cancer early. This means that treatment can start earlier, which increases the chance of survival. Most breast lumps are not breast cancer - nine in 10 breast lumps are benign. But if cancer is present, treatment is simpler and more successful if it's found early. Being breast aware may mean you spot any unusual changes in your breasts as early as possible. How to be breast awareBreast awareness means getting into the habit of feeling and looking at your breasts from time-to-time so you know what's normal for you. There's no evidence that a formal monthly breast self-examination reduces death from breast cancer or is more effective than just being aware of changes in your breasts. 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, using a mirror to view your breasts from different angles. You may find it helps if you have soapy hands when you feel your breasts, and want to do in the shower or bath. Or you may find it more comfortable to check your breasts when you're lying down. You might use a skin lotion or moisturiser to help your hand slide over the breasts. Once you are familiar with the usual feel and appearance of your breasts, you will notice if anything changes. If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about checking your breasts, you may find it helpful to discuss your worries with a doctor or nurse. Five-point breast awareness codeFollow the five-point breast awareness code.
Common breast changesIt's important to remember that each woman's breasts are different and that changes in how they look and feel are not always a cause for concern. They may be affected by the menstrual cycle, your age, pregnancy, the menopause and taking the contraceptive pill. For example, if you have not been through the menopause it's normal to have lumpy, tender breasts just before your period, especially near your armpits. This happens when the milk-producing tissue in your breasts becomes active. Your breasts may feel soft after your period. After the menopause, your breasts should feel softer and less lumpy as activity in the milk-producing tissue of your breasts stops. If you have had a hysterectomy, your breasts may still feel tender or lumpy each month, even though your periods have stopped. This is because your ovaries are still working and producing hormones. You may notice monthly changes in your breasts until the time when your periods would have stopped naturally. Breast changes to seek advice about
Breast screeningThe NHS Breast Screening Programme offers mammography once every three years to women between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Women with a family history of breast cancer may be offered regular mammograms from an earlier age. The usual recommendation is to start screening 10 years earlier than the age at which the youngest close relative with breast cancer was diagnosed. Younger women are not routinely invited for screening and breast cancer is quite rare in women under 50. However, breast screening is available for women over 40 at independent screening facilities including BUPA Wellness Centres. About mammographyMammography is a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. It can often reveal lumps before you or a doctor can feel them, and can also show small deposits of calcium in the breast, which may be a sign of early cancer. As well as picking up breast cancer, mammography can show breast problems that are not cancer. You should continue to be breast aware even if you have regular mammograms. Having a mammogramYou will need to undress to the waist in a private changing area, so it may be more comfortable for you to a wear skirt or trousers rather than a dress. The radiographer will help you to get into the right position for the X-ray. Some deodorants or talcum powders contain aluminium, which can show up on the X-ray and give inaccurate results. Check the ingredients listed on your toiletries and don't use any that contain aluminium on the day of your mammogram. Each breast is positioned between two plastic plates, as you must then remain still for a short time while the X-rays are taken (usually two of each breast, one from the side and one from above). You might find the mammography uncomfortable, or even painful, but it takes less than a minute and the pressure of the plates is not harmful. Depending on where you have the test, the results may be given to you on the same day, or they may be posted to you and your GP in a couple of weeks. If lumps are felt in the breast or detected by a mammography, your doctor may recommend further tests. These might include an ultrasound of the breast or taking a small sample of the lump, called a biopsy. Remember most lumps are not cancer. Even if you are having regular breast screening, it's important that you check your breasts regularly so you are aware of any changes. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: December 2007. Expected review date: December 2009.
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