AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN...

FEEL YOUR BOOBS

Cancer Research UK says there is no special time or way to check your body for potential signs of cancer. It’s important to know how your breasts normally feel and how they change with your period if you are still menstruating. If you know what is normal for you and feel any changes in your breasts, see your doctor.

Check regularly when you have your shower or bath. Changes to look for include a new lump or thickening in your breast or armpit; a change in size, shape or feel of your breast; skin changes in the breast, such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness; and changes in the position of the nipples or fluid leaking from them.

ASSESS YOUR SKIN

Dr Ross Perry, skin cancer expert at Cosmedics Skin Clinics (cosmedics.co.uk), advises that everyone frequently checks their skin at home for signs of irregularities, which could indicate early skin cancer. Look out for new moles or an existing one that has changed in size, shape or colour, and any itching, crusting or bleeding.

Check your body by standing naked in front of a full-length mirror; bend your elbows and

examine your forearms and the backs and palms of your hands. Grab an additional mirror and check the backs of your legs, bottom of your feet and back of the neck and even under the hairline. If you notice something, see your GP straight away to get it checked out. Find out more at nhs.uk.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BODY

Be alert to other possible signs of cancer. Look out for a croaky voice, hoarseness or a cough that doesn’t go away; a mouth or tongue ulcer that lasts more than three weeks; and difficulty swallowing – these could all be signs of mouth cancer. Other cancer signs to watch for include very heavy night sweats, unexplained aches or pains, unusual lumps or swelling anywhere on the body. Visit cancerresearchuk.org/aboutcancer/cancer-symptoms for more information.