Dr Sara shows how to check your breasts for signs of breast cancer
It's important to check your breasts regularly for signs of breast cancer. Dr Sara shows you exactly what signs to look out for and how to check your own breasts.
What should people at home be doing to check?
The NHS Breast Screening programme produced a 5-point plan for being breast aware:
Know what is normal for you
Look at your breasts and feel them
Know what changes to look for
Report any changes to GP straight away
Attend routine screening if you're aged 50-70
What are the changes to look out for?
A change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
A change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
A new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
Discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
Any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
Any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)
Self check:
According to the NHS website, you should look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone.
This might be easiest to do in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.