Breast Cancer Care

Taking Care Of Your Breasts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 50,000 people being diagnosed a year. So, whatever your age, size or shape, it’s important to take care of your breasts and be breast aware. There is no right or wrong way of checking your breasts and you can make it part of your normal routine.

It’s important to decide what you are comfortable with and what suits you best and then look at and feel your breasts regularly. You could do this in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion, or when you get dressed. What’s important is getting to know what is normal for you. You can then feel confident about noticing any unusual changes. Breast cancer can affect women of all ages, so women should check their breasts and report any unusual changes throughout their life.

Most changes in your breasts won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but if it is breast cancer, then the sooner this is diagnosed, the more effective the treatment may be. Around 70% of women with breast cancer found out they had it by noticing a change in their breasts and talking to someone about it, so it can make a real difference. Even if you might be nervous, if you do notice any changes it’s important you visit your GP and get yourself checked out as soon as possible.

Breast Cancer Care

If you have any questions about breast health or screening, Breast Cancer Care’s free, confidential helpline is there to help. Or if you’d prefer, the Breast Cancer Care website has loads of information, visit breastcancercare.org.uk

Davinia Green, Breast Health Promotion Manager at Breast Cancer Care says: "If you feel a bit embarrassed or apprehensive about checking your breasts, it may be reassuring to know that you can make it part of your daily routine, it needn’t be anything to be scared of. If you get to know what’s normal for you, it’s much easier to notice if something isn’t right and then it’s important to talk to your doctor. Don’t be scared of talking to your GP or delay going, as the earlier diagnosis may lead to simpler treatments options."

How To Stay Breast Aware

The breast awareness 5 point code. Guidance issued by the Department of Health, 2009.
You should know what is normal for you
Know what changes to look for
Look and feel
Tell your GP about any changes straight away
Go for breast screening when invited

6th December 2011