Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
This factsheet is for women who would like information about being breast aware.
Breast awareness means knowing how your breasts look and feel, and knowing what changes to look out for.
Being 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 will help you spot any changes if they happen.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. It affects one in nine women at some time in their life. Being breast aware can help you find breast cancer early. This means that treatment can start earlier, which can increase your chance of survival.
Most breast lumps aren't breast cancer - nine in 10 breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). But if you do have breast cancer, treatment is usually simpler and more successful if it's found early. Being breast aware can help you to you spot any unusual changes in your breasts as early as possible.
Breast 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 isn't a formal set of instructions for checking your breasts. Check yourself in any way that's comfortable and convenient for you. For example:
Once you're 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 your GP or a nurse.
Follow the five-point breast awareness code.
It's important to remember that each woman's breasts are different and that changes in how they look and feel aren't always a cause for concern. Your breasts may be affected by the menstrual cycle, your age, pregnancy, the menopause and taking the contraceptive pill.
For example, if you haven't 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 (the menopause).
You should see your GP if you notice any changes that aren't normal for you. Look out for:
This 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: July 2009
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