Learn to spot changes early! Discover how to check for breast lumps with these simple, step-by-step instructions recommended by health experts.
How to Check for Breast Lumps: Your 5-Minute Monthly Habit
Understanding Breast Health
Your breasts change throughout life due to hormones, age, and other factors, so knowing what is normal for you is key. Checking for breast lumps regularly can help you detect any unusual changes early, when treatment is most effective. This is not a replacement for professional screening like mammograms, but a useful habit to adopt alongside NHS appointments. The NHS recommends women over 50 attend screening every three years, but self-checks can start from your 20s. Let us walk through the process gently.
Why Regular Checks Matter
Breast lumps are common and often benign, but early detection saves lives. Around 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer yearly in the UK, per Breast Cancer Now. Self-examination empowers you to notice changes like lumps, dimpling, or nipple discharge. Do it monthly, ideally a week after your period when breasts are less tender. If postmenopausal, pick a fixed date. Always see your GP for anything unusual.
Preparing for Your Check
Find a quiet spot with good light, like your bedroom or bathroom. Use a mirror for visual inspection. Relax your shoulders and breathe deeply. Checks take 5 to 10 minutes. Wear comfortable clothes you can remove easily. If you have larger breasts, lie down for part of it. Keep a diary to note changes over time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Visual Inspection Standing Up
Stand in front of a mirror with arms at your sides. Look for symmetry, size changes, dimpling, puckering, or redness. Check nipples for inversion, discharge, or rash. Raise arms overhead and repeat. Flex chest muscles by pressing hands on hips. Note any differences.
2. Visual Inspection Lying Down
Lie flat with a pillow under your head. Place one arm behind your head. Use the opposite hand’s pads of three middle fingers to feel the breast. Start at the outer edge, moving in small circles towards the nipple. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Cover the entire breast, including underarm and collarbone.
3. Feeling for Lumps
Use a firm, smooth touch. Feel for pea-sized lumps, thickenings, or knots. Normal breasts feel lumpy due to glands, but seek anything new or hard. Repeat on the other breast. If menstruating, breasts may feel tender; that is normal.
4. Nipple Check
Gently squeeze each nipple for discharge. Clear or milky is usually fine outside pregnancy, but blood-tinged needs attention. Feel around the areola for changes.
5. Underarm Examination
With arm raised, feel the armpit for swollen glands or lumps. Lymph nodes here drain the breast, so changes matter.
6. When to See Your GP
If you find a lump, skin changes, nipple inversion, or persistent pain, book an appointment. Most are benign, but early checks are vital.
Lifestyle Tips for Breast Health
Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and exercise; excess fat raises oestrogen, linked to cancer risk. Limit alcohol to 14 units weekly. Quit smoking, as it increases risk. Breastfeed if possible; it lowers risk long-term. Wear a supportive bra during activity.
Common Myths Busted
Myth: Only women get breast cancer. Fact: Men can too, though rare. Myth: Deodorants cause lumps.
Fact: No evidence. Myth: Small breasts are safer. Fact: Size does not matter; check regularly.
By making self-checks a habit, you take control of your health. Remember, this complements NHS screening. If worried, your GP is a call away.
FAQ:
Q: How often should I check for breast lumps?
A: Monthly is ideal, a week after your period or on a fixed date if postmenopausal.
Q: What if I find a lump?
A: See your GP within two weeks; most are harmless, but early detection is key.
Q: Can men check for breast lumps?
A: Yes, men should check monthly too, as breast cancer affects 400 UK men yearly.
external_links:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-screening/Official guide to mammograms and when you’ll be invited.
- https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/men-and-breast-cancer/ Because men need to check too.
