SUN Health’s resident expert and practising GP Dr Zoe explains . . .
SIXTY-ONE per cent of women do not regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer, according to research from Estee Lauder Companies on the 30th anniversary of their Breast Cancer Campaign.
Sixty-one per cent of women do not regularly check their breasts
And a third of women have never checked them at all.
When it comes to checking your breasts, strictly speaking there is no right or wrong way.
What’s most important is that you do it regularly, ideally once a month, to get to know your breasts and what is normal for you.
It is only by being familiar with “our normal” that we are likely to identify if there is a change.
So whether you check them in bed, in the shower or in the gym changing rooms, it doesn’t matter.
However, it is important to know what you are looking for.
Look at the breasts, ideally both from the front and the side, looking for any changes in shape or size, or for any lumps, skin changes or changes to the skin of the breast or nipple.
It’s also important to feel all of the breast tissue.
This means the entire breast, as well as the front of the chest wall, up to the collarbones and the armpits.
As UK and Ireland ambassador for the Estee Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, I would like to encourage everybody, regardless of age, race or ethnicity, to prioritise self-checking their breasts regularly.
If you need further information about how to self-check and what to look for visit elcompanies.co.uk/BCC where you’ll find my demonstration video and a self-check leaflet to help guide you.
If you notice any changes or have concerns, you should arrange to speak with your GP.
If there is a slight change that you don’t find concerning, it’s absolutely fine to monitor it for two weeks.
But if it remains and isn’t resolving then it’s vital to get it checked.
