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Breast cancer information: Giving yourself a breast exam is a simple 3-step procedure that only takes a few minutes and could save your life. So why do so many women ignore the warnings and shun breast exams?

Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer in the UK in women. Every year, 44,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer, and about one in nine women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the course of her lifetime.

Yet a recent report found that women scorn breast cancer health checks, with a shocking 79 per cent of women never having been for a full body health screening, despite entitlement to free mammograms every three years on the NHS. Don’t let being lazy or awkwardness over examining your breasts stop you from protecting your health.

Breast Cancer Information: Why You Should Give Yourself a Breast Cancer Self Exam

Giving yourself a breast cancer exam may seem embarrassing or like a waste of time, but catching breast cancer early is hugely important – the earlier you find out you have breast cancer, the better your chances of survival.

Doing a regular breast self-exam doesn’t mean you can ignore breast exam or mammogram appointments with your doctor, but it does mean that you’re more likely to detect breast cancer early and get the most effective breast cancer treatment. It’s never too early to start giving yourself breast self examinations either – it’s important to get to know the shape of your breasts so you’ll notice quickly if there ever is a problem.

Ideally, you should do your breast cancer self-exam on the same day each month – the best time is in the week after your period, when your breasts will be the least swollen and tender.

You should continue to do breast exams if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have breast implants. Men can also do breast exams – although it’s more rare, men do get breast cancer too. It’s recommended that women should start doing breast exams in their 20s, and have a mammogram each year if you’re over 40 or have a family history of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Facts: How To Do a Breast Self Examination

A breast cancer self exam is a simple 3-step programme you should follow once a month. Checking your breasts regularly helps you to know your normal shape, and will help you recognise any changes more quickly. Don’t panic if your breasts are not exactly the same size or shape as each other – most women’s breasts are slightly different – what you’re looking for are lumps, thickenings or unexplained changes in the shape of your breasts.

1. In the shower, examine your breasts, fingers flat, feeling carefully for any lump, hard area or thickening on your breasts. Use the right hand for the left breast, and the left hand for the right breast.
2. In front of a mirror, arms at your side, look carefully at your breasts, checking for any changes in the shape of your breasts, swelling, dimpling, orange peel effect, scaly skin or changes in the way your nipples look. Lift your arms above your head and check again. Finally, flex your chest muscles by putting your palms on your hips and pressing down, checking again.
3. Last of all, lie down – this is the easiest position to notice lumps as the breasts are evenly spread out. Put a pillow behind your right shoulder and put your right hand behind your head. Now, with your left hand, make small circular movements around your right breast, like a clock face, feeling with your fingertips for lumps. Keep circling to examine every inch of the breast and the nipple, first lightly and then using more pressure. Then repeat on the left side. It’s also a good idea to examine the whole breast area from your collarbones with up and down motions. Finally, squeeze each nipple gently. If you notice any discharge at all (other than breast milk), you should contact your doctor immediately.

Breast Lump Information: What to Do if You Find a Lump in Your Breast

Most of the time, breast lumps and bumps are nothing to worry about. However, if you notice a new or changing lump, a thickening, pain in your breast or nipple unrelated to your period, a swollen, hot or red breast, discharge from the nipple or a lump in your armpit, you should visit your doctor immediately. It probably isn’t breast cancer, but it could be – don’t let embarrassment or fear stop you from getting the necessary treatment as soon as possible.

Do you do a regular breast self exam? Or is someone you know worried they may have breast cancer? Share your thoughts, views and experiences on breast cancer examinations with other users using the Comment on this Article box below. Plus, to keep up to date with all the latest breast cancer health news and lots more health tips on diet, healthy eating and more, sign-up for the monthly KeeptheDoctorAway Newsletter below.