Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Your step-by-step guide to checking your breasts

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Now is working to make sure women know the signs and are regularly checking their breasts.
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The charity says women need to touch, look, and check.

A spokesperson from Breast Cancer Now said women must not put off going to their GP during the pandemic if they think they may have spotted a change in their breasts.

The spokesperson said: “It’s so important that during the coronavirus outbreak women continue to check their breasts regularly and know that they can and should get in touch with their GP if they notice any unusual changes.

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“Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. It could be when you get dressed, when you’re showering or putting on moisturiser. “Just remember to check the whole breast and the surrounding area, including the upper chest and armpits. There’s no special way, it’s as simple as TLC: touch, look check.”

Here is a step-by-step guide

Touch your breasts: Can you feel anything new or unusual?

Look for changes: Does anything look different?

Check any changes with your GP

The common breast cancer signs and symptoms include

A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it.

A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling.

A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed.

A change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in (inverted).

Rash or crusting around the nipple.

Any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple

Changes in size or shape of the breast.

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On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. But look out for pain that’s there all or most of the time.

The spokesperson added: “While most breast changes won’t be cancer, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible if you find anything different or new as the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment.

To find out more about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer visit www.breastcancernow.org/tlc.

Breast Cancer Now provides support for those that have been diagnosed, those undergoing treatment and people who may be concerned about a potential symptom of breast cancer. The help is easy to access and the charity has a free helpline for anyone feeling concerned.

If you are looking for support or information call one of the Breast Cancer Now advisers on 0808 800 6000.

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