How to check your breasts nhs
Regular breast self-examination is an important part of monitoring your breast health and detecting any potential issues in their early stages. It plays a crucial role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
With the guidance provided by National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, you can learn how to perform a self-examination of your breasts correctly and effectively. The process involves looking and feeling for any changes, lumps, or abnormalities in your breasts and surrounding areas that may require medical attention.
It is vital to remember that most changes found through self-examination are not cancerous, but it’s always better to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure peace of mind and receive appropriate guidance. Self-examination should be practiced regularly, at least once a month, preferably soon after your menstrual period.
Step-by-step Breast Self-examination guide:
- Begin by standing in front of a mirror and visually inspect both breasts. Look for any visible changes like swelling, dimpling, or changes in size, shape or nipple direction. Check your breasts with your arms by your sides, and then raise them overhead.
- Next, examine your breasts using your hands. Lie down with a pillow under one shoulder and place that arm behind your head. With fingers flat, use the pads of your three middle fingers of your opposite hand and gently touch your breast in a circular motion. Start with the outer area of your breast, move gradually toward the nipple, and then cover the entire breast and armpit area.
- Pay attention to any unusual lumps, thickenings, or changes in texture. Look for discharge from the nipples, skin dimpling, or crusting of the nipple area.
Please remember that this guide is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns or detect any changes, consult your healthcare provider promptly for a thorough evaluation.
Understanding Breast Health
Understanding breast health is crucial for every woman. By knowing what is normal for your breasts and how to recognize any changes, you can take an active role in maintaining their health. This section will provide you with information on what to look for, how to perform a self-check, and when to seek medical advice.
What is Normal
Understanding what is normal for your breasts is essential. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and what is normal for one person may not be the same for another. It is important to familiarize yourself with the appearance and feel of your breasts, including any lumps or bumps that may be present.
Performing a Self-Check
A regular self-check is a simple way to detect any changes in your breasts. The best time to perform a self-check is a few days after your period ends, when your breasts are less likely to be tender or swollen. Here are the steps to perform a self-check:
- Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your side.
- Inspect your breasts visually, looking for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture.
- Raise your arms above your head and look for any changes in the position or shape of your breasts.
- Place your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles.
- Check for any changes in the size or shape of your breasts from different angles.
It is also important to perform a manual check by feeling your breasts. Here are the steps to perform a manual check:
- Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head.
- Use the pads of your left fingers and move them in circular motions along your right breast and armpit area.
- Press gently but firmly, checking for any lumps, thickening, or other changes beneath the skin.
- Mirror the same process on your left breast.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important to seek medical advice. This includes any lumps, thickening, nipple changes, discharge, or pain that is different from your normal menstrual symptoms. Remember, most breast changes are not due to cancer, but it is always best to get checked out to be sure.
By understanding breast health and performing regular self-checks, you can take control of your well-being and catch any issues early. Your health is worth the time and effort.
Importance of Breast Self-Examination
Breast self-examination (BSE) is a vital component of breast health awareness and early detection of breast cancer. It involves examining your own breasts regularly to detect any changes or abnormalities. By performing BSE on a regular basis, you can become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, making it easier to identify any changes that may occur.
Early Detection:
BSE plays a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and early detection is key to improving survival rates. By conducting regular self-exams, you increase the chances of identifying small lumps or changes early on, which can lead to earlier detection and, subsequently, a better prognosis.
Empowerment and Control:
Performing BSE empowers women to take control of their own breast health. By becoming familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel, women are better equipped to notice any changes that may occur. This sense of empowerment allows for timely medical intervention if any concerns arise, giving women a sense of control and peace of mind.
When to Perform BSE:
It is recommended that women start performing BSE in their twenties and continue throughout their lives. BSE should be conducted at the same time every month, ideally a few days after the menstrual period ends. If menopausal or postmenopausal, choose a day of the month that is easy to remember and perform the exam regularly.
How to Perform BSE:
There are various techniques and methods to perform BSE; however, the key is consistency. When conducting a self-exam, you should visually inspect your breasts in front of a mirror, both with your arms at your sides and with them raised. Then, while lying down, use the opposite hand to exam each breast systematically, feeling for any lumps, bumps, or changes in texture.
In conclusion, performing breast self-examination is an essential aspect of breast health, contributing to the early detection of breast cancer. By understanding the importance of regular self-exams and following the recommended guidelines, women can take an active role in their own breast care and overall well-being.
NHS Guidelines on Breast Checking
Regularly checking your breasts is an important step in maintaining good breast health. The NHS provides guidelines to help you perform a thorough self-examination, ensuring any changes or abnormalities are detected early. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Start By Looking at Your Breasts in the Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips and check for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Look for changes in the skin, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness. Observe the nipples for any changes in direction, inversion, or discharge. Assess if there are any visible lumps or swelling in the breast tissue.
Step 2: Raise Your Arms and Check for Any Changes
Raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes mentioned before. Pay close attention to any differences in the shape or outline between your breasts.
Step 3: Check for Any Changes While Lying Down
Lie down and, using the opposite hand, use the pads of your fingers to feel around the breast and the area under your armpit. Use light, medium, and firm pressure to check for any lumps, nodules, or thickening of the tissue. Check the entire breast area, including the upper chest and collarbone.
Step 4: Check for Any Changes While in the Shower
While having a shower, use soapy hands to glide over your entire breast and armpit area. This can help detect any changes more easily.
If you notice any changes, it’s important to consult your doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible. Keep in mind that most changes are non-cancerous, but it’s always best to get them checked to rule out any potential risks.
Remember, the earlier breast changes are detected, the better the chances of successful treatment. Make breast checking a part of your routine and practice it at least once a month.
Note: These guidelines are provided by the NHS and are intended for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Steps for Breast Self-Examination
Performing regular breast self-examinations is an important step in detecting any changes or abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer. Follow these steps to conduct a thorough examination:
1. Preparation:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can perform the examination without distractions.
- Undress from the waist up and stand in front of a mirror.
2. Visual Examination:
- Inspect both breasts and nipples looking for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry.
- Observe the skin texture and note any redness, dimpling, puckering, or peeling.
- Check for any discharge or crusting around the nipple.
3. Manual Examination:
- Lie down flat on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder. This will help flatten and spread out the breast tissue for easier examination.
- Use the pads of your fingers to systematically feel your right breast.
- Start near the armpit and move inwards using small, circular motions.
- Cover the entire breast and pay attention to any lumps, hardness, or changes in texture.
4. Repeat on the Left Breast:
- Replace the pillow under the left shoulder and repeat the same manual examination process on your left breast.
5. Standing Examination:
- Stand up with your arms relaxed by your sides.
- Use your fingers and palm to press against your breasts, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities.
- Pay particular attention to the upper area of the breasts and the collarbone region.
6. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary:
- If you notice any changes, lumps, or abnormalities during the self-examination, it is important to contact your doctor immediately for further evaluation and guidance.
Remember, regular breast self-examinations should be performed in conjunction with clinical breast examinations and mammograms as part of your overall breast health routine. Early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of breast cancer.
Step 1: Visual Examination
Performing a visual examination of your breasts is the first step towards breast self-awareness and early detection of any changes. By regularly checking your breasts, you become more familiar with their appearance, size, and texture. This makes it easier to notice any differences or abnormalities that might develop over time.
How to visually examine your breasts
To visually examine your breasts:
- Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxing at your sides.
- Observe your breasts’ outer appearance for any changes in shape, size, or texture. Look for any swelling, dimpling, or puckering of the skin on and around the breasts.
- Inspect your nipples for any unusual discharge, redness, or crusting.
- Raise your arms above your head and check for any changes in contour, such as a visible increase or decrease in size or any indentation.
- Gently squeeze your nipples to check for any discharge. Note any abnormal color or consistency.
What to look for during a visual examination
During the visual examination, look for the following signs:
| Lumps or thickening | Check for any new or unusual lumps or firmness in the breast tissue. |
| Changes in shape | Look for any changes in the overall shape or appearance of the breasts. |
| Dimpling or puckering | Inspect the breasts for any dimpling or puckering of the skin, resembling the texture of an orange peel. |
| Discharge from nipples | Take note of any nipple discharge, especially if it’s bloody or appears spontaneously. |
If you notice any of these changes during your visual examination, it’s important to bring them to your doctor’s attention for further evaluation. Remember, not all changes are indicative of breast cancer, but it’s essential to address any concerns with a healthcare professional.
Step 2: Lying Down Position
Lie down on your back, making sure you are comfortable and relaxed. You can place a folded towel or pillow under your shoulder on the side you are checking.
Raise your right arm above your head. Use your left hand to examine your right breast. Feeling different parts of your breast using different pressures and motions, use the pads of your fingers or the tips to check for any lumps, thickening, or other changes.
Start from the outer area and move your fingers towards the nipple, while covering the entire breast area. Use a circular motion and systematically go over the whole breast, including the area under the armpit.
Tips to remember:
– Make sure you are familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, so that you can easily detect any changes.
– It’s common for breasts to have some normal lumps, so don’t panic if you come across a lump. However, if you notice anything different from usual, such as a new lump or a painless, hard lump, make sure to get it checked out by your doctor.
If you are menstruating, it is recommended to perform the examination a week after your period, as your breasts may be less tender and swollen during this time.
Step 3: Raising Arms Position
To check your breasts, perform the following steps:
- Stand in front of a mirror and ensure you have a clear view of your breasts.
- Place your hands on your hips and check for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts.
- Raise both arms straight above your head and observe if there are any differences in the appearance of your breasts.
- Look for any changes in the skin texture, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- Inspect your nipples for any discharge or changes in direction or shape.
It is important to raise your arms during this step, as it helps to highlight any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts. It also allows you to observe the movement and symmetry of both breasts.
If you notice any changes or abnormalities during this step, such as new lumps, persistent pain, or persistent changes in the appearance of your breasts, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and potentially a breast examination.
Remember that regular breast self-exams are an important part of maintaining your breast health. It is recommended to perform these exams once a month, preferably a few days after your period when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.
Step 4: Feeling the Breasts
Feeling your breasts can help you to detect any changes or abnormalities that may need further investigation. It is important to perform a self-examination regularly to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.
How to perform breast self-examination:
- Begin by visually inspecting your breasts in front of a mirror. Look for any changes in size, shape, or texture.
- Raise your arms and look for any changes in the contour or shape of your breasts.
- Gently touch your breasts with your fingertips, feeling for any lumps, thickening, or changes in texture. Make sure to cover the entire breast, including the area under the arm.
- Some methods recommend dividing your breasts into sections and using a spiral or up-and-down technique to ensure all areas are examined.
- Remember to also examine your nipples and the area around the nipples for any changes.
If you notice any changes during your breast self-examination, such as lumps, thickening, or any other abnormalities, it is important to contact your healthcare provider for a further evaluation. They will be able to determine if additional tests or investigations are necessary.
Remember, regular breast self-examinations are an important part of breast health. It is recommended to perform a self-examination once a month, preferably a few days after your period ends if you are still menstruating.
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