PHILIPPA’S TOP TIPS ON BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

How to do it ef fectively, and what you should be looking out for…

◆ It is important that everyone, whatever your gender checks.

◆ Check at the same time each month, as breasts may change during the menstrual cycle. If you don’t have periods “feel on the first” may be a useful reminder.

◆ To check your breasts, first take off your top and look in the mirror. With hands on your hips and/ or with hands up in the air helps bring the breast tissue forward so it’s easier to assess.

◆ Look for what is not normal for you, so if you always have inver ted nipples that is your normal, but if you don’t and one becomes inver ted, then that is a change which needs to be assessed.

◆ Look for asymmetry or changes to the size, outline or shape of the breast. Perhaps a new area of dimpling of the skin so it looks like orange peel (called ‘peau d’orange); or you may notice some puckering of the skin as if something underneath is pulling it down; any nipple changes or discharge.

◆ Then you will need to feel the breast. Place one hand on the back of your head (like you are sunbathing) and use the flat of the fingers of the other hand to examine the breast on the other side. Imagine dividing your breast into quar ters and examine each segment in turn to ensure you cover the whole breast. Don’t forget to check the nipple

◆ The breast tissue extends all the way up to the collar bone and into the armpit so check in these areas as well.

◆ Look for any new lump or bumpy area, area of thickening or swelling. Having one of these changes doesn’t automatically mean you have breast cancer, rather that you have a sign which needs to be checked out, so make an appointment to see your GP. ➙