October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so no better time than to get busy checking your breasts.
It is recommended that you check your breasts regularly – at least every time you shower just to be sure you catch any changes as early as possible.
About once a month you should do a thorough check of your breasts. Look for changes by using a mirror so that you can see the breasts from different angles.
Changes to look out for when checking your breasts include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or under the armpit
- Pain in one of the breasts or armpit
- Puckering or dimpling of the breast skin
- Pulling in of the nipple
- Redness of the breast skin
- Nipple rash
- Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
- Changes in the shape or size of the breasts or nipple
- A change in the position of the nipple
Many breast lumps are actually harmless, but if anything is bothering you about your breasts please visit your GP so they can put your mind and ease and do any further examinations that may need to be done.
Checking regularly for changes in your breasts can catch anything that may be worrying early and is therefore really important in the fight against breast cancer - which is one we all want to win.
You can find more information here.