Concerns - Breast Cancer

How to Examine Yourself

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Regular breast self-examination (BSE) is a vital component of breast health awareness and early detection of abnormalities. Understanding why it’s important, how to perform effective techniques, and what abnormalities to look out for empowers individuals to take charge of their breast health. Birmingham Breast Group (BBG) encourages self-examination and offers comprehensive care for individuals seeking further evaluation.

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About This Concern

Breast self-examination enables individuals to become familiar with their breasts’ normal appearance and texture, making it easier to detect any changes or abnormalities early on. By performing regular self-examinations, individuals can take an active role in their breast health, promoting early detection and potentially improving treatment outcomes in the event of breast cancer or other breast conditions. Regular self-examination promotes breast health awareness and encourages individuals to seek medical evaluation if they notice any changes or concerns.

Effective techniques when examining yourself include:

Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed at your sides. Look for changes in breast size, shape, or contour, as well as any visible skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.

Manual Palpation: Use the pads of your fingers to palpate your breast tissue in a systematic pattern. Start at the outer edge of the breast and move in a circular motion toward the nipple, covering the entire breast and armpit area.

Varied Positions: Perform self-examination in different positions, such as lying down, standing, or with your arm raised, to thoroughly assess breast tissue from multiple angles.

Nipple Examination: Gently squeeze each nipple between your thumb and index finger, checking for any discharge, changes in texture, or inversion.

Common irregularities to look out for include:

Lumps or Masses: Feel for any palpable lumps, masses, or thickening in the breast tissue. Pay attention to any changes in size, shape, or consistency.

Skin Changes: Watch for changes in skin texture, colour, or appearance, such as redness, swelling, dimpling, or puckering. These changes may indicate underlying breast conditions or malignancies.

Nipple Abnormalities: Check for nipple discharge (especially bloody or clear), changes in nipple size, shape, or position, and any inversion or retraction of the nipple.

Pain or Discomfort: Note any persistent or unexplained breast pain, tenderness, or discomfort, particularly if it is localised to one area or associated with other symptoms.

If you notice any abnormalities or changes during self-examination, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation promptly. Birmingham Breast Group (BBG) offers comprehensive care for individuals with breast health concerns, including:

Clinical Assessment: A thorough clinical examination is performed to assess any abnormalities detected during self-examination. Diagnostic imaging studies such as mammograms, ultrasound, or MRI scans may be recommended to further evaluate breast tissue and identify any underlying issues.

Biopsy and Pathology: If suspicious findings are identified, a tissue biopsy may be performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Pathology analysis can determine whether the abnormalities are benign or indicative of breast cancer, guiding further treatment decisions.

Multidisciplinary Care: The expert team at Birmingham Breast Group collaborates closely to develop personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. This may include medication, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other interventions as necessary.

Patient Education and Support: Patients are provided with education, guidance, and emotional support throughout their breast health journey. They are empowered to make informed decisions about their care and are supported every step of the way.

Breast self-examination is a valuable tool for maintaining breast health awareness and early detection of abnormalities. By understanding why it’s important, how to perform effective techniques, and what abnormalities to look out for, individuals can take proactive steps to protect their breast health. If you notice any changes or concerns during self-examination, don’t hesitate to seek medical evaluation at Birmingham Breast Group (BBG) for comprehensive care and support.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
View More Reviews

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