Breast lumps are often the first symptom of breast cancer, and changes in breast tissue are often found by women themselves, either accidentally or during self-examination.
Finding breast cancer early is important. Diagnosing cancer before it has had time to spread beyond the breast could mean less medical and surgical intervention and ultimately a better prognosis.
Women in the UK are offered regular mammograms every three years from the age of fifty to screen for breast changes.
However, breast cancer affects much younger women too, and it is important to check your breasts regularly from a young age and to be breast aware in the years between your routine mammograms.
A step-by-step guide to your breast self-exam
Just having a quick feel around your breasts now and then isn’t really enough, and you must learn how to perform a breast self-examination correctly.
Check the appearance of your breasts.
- Face a mirror
- Raise your arms above your head and then place them by your sides
- Check the breasts for changes in shape or size. Breasts are rarely symmetrical, but observe if one has changed in relation to the other since you last checked.
- Check for skin dimpling or red, swollen areas that could signal inflammatory breast cancer.
- Check for changes in your nipples; for example, do you have an inverted nipple for the first time? Is there any nipple discharge?
Check the feel of your breasts.
- Complete this check in the shower or lying down.
- Move your fingertips around both breasts in a circular motion across the entire breast area, starting at the nipple. Include the armpit in your examination.
- Use light and firm pressure to check for lumps or any changes in the breast tissue.
How often should I perform a breast self-examination?
Breast cancer specialists recommend monthly breast self-exams. If you are still having periods, the best time is a few days after the end of your menstrual cycle when your breasts are least likely to be tender and swollen.
What does a breast cancer lump feel like?
Breast cancer lumps often feel hard and solid, with irregular edges. Unlike a cyst, a cancerous lump may not move around when moved. Breast tissue often feels lumpy and bumpy, so you are looking for a lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
Even pea-sized lumps that show these characteristics may be cancerous.
However, you must never try to diagnose your own breast lump. Always ask for a medical evaluation to be sure.
Do breast cancer lumps hurt?
Breast pain by itself is not a typical symptom of breast cancer and is often caused by hormonal changes or could indicate a cyst. However, persistent pain warrants further investigation.
Why is breast self-awareness important?
You must become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. If you practice breast self-awareness and are checking your breasts regularly, you will immediately spot any changes that need further evaluation.
What if I find a lump during my breast exam?
It is always best to ask your GP or primary health care provider to check a new lump or any other changes in your breast.
Please remember that while most breast lumps are benign, the benefits of early detection far outweigh the inconvenience to you or your GP of a physical exam by a trained professional.
If your GP feels that your breast lump warrants further investigation, you will be referred for a clinical breast exam with a breast cancer specialist.
Birmingham Breast Group
We are breast health specialists, and we provide a full range of diagnostic services, including mammogram screening for women concerned about their breasts.
You can book an appointment with a breast specialist here.
