Dr Kathryn Johns
This month is breast cancer awareness month. How well do you know your breasts?
At Eastern Osteopathy we would love everyone out there to take up the challenge of getting to know their breasts. Not just in October, but every month! This intimate relationship could save your life, it is time to be “Breast Aware”.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85 is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 675 for men (1).
The important thing to remember is that you don’t need to be an expert. Knowing what your breasts normally feel like is the key.
For people with regular periods, the best time of the month to do your “breast check” is the week following your menstrual cycle. If you’re breastfeeding, pregnant, postmenopausal, have irregular periods or don’t have a period, set a monthly reminder on your phone. If you have a partner (or two) have a chat to them. Make them aware of the changes to look out for.
Not sure how to do a breast examination? We’ve got you covered! Follow the simple guide below.
How to do a breast examination
Bathroom Mirrors
Looking in the mirror with your hands on your hips, look to see if there are any changes in your breast
Colour
Size
Shape
Dimpling
Nipple
With your hands still on your hips, push your shoulders forward looking for any changes. Then, raise your arms above your head, again looking for any changes.
Imaged sourced from Natural Cycles
2. In the Shower
When in the shower, put your left hand behind your head; then using the tips of your right fingers, make small circular movements over your left breast, checking for anything out of the ordinary.
Then, continuing around the breast, press more firmly, feeling through deeper layers of breast tissue. You should examine your breast tissue up to the collarbone and across to the armpit.
When finished with your left breast, repeat this process on your right side.
3. Lying Down
Lie down on your left side with your knees bent, place your right arm under your head and roll your shoulders back so they are flat on the bed. This position enables your breast to be as flat as possible. When in this position you can examine your right breast using the same method as in the shower. When finished with your right breast, repeat on your other side for your left breast.
For more information on doing a breast examination check out jeanhailes.org.au
What am I looking for?
It’s not just about finding a lump! 83% of women diagnosed with breast cancer will present with a lump, however 17% of those diagnosed present with non-lump symptoms.
Those who find a lump are usually quicker to see their doctors than those presenting with non-lump symptoms, who sometimes wait up to 3 months. Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. Regularly checking your breasts and being prompt to visit your doctor if you notice any changes is essential.
Knowing what your breast normally feels like, being “breast aware”, will help you detect any of the following changes.
A new lump or lumpiness (especially if only in one breast)
Change in size and shape of the breast
Changes to the nipple (crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion)
Nipple discharge (without squeezing)
Changes to the skin of the breast (redness or dimpling)
Unusual pain (doesn’t go away)
It’s important to know that 9/10 changes are not cancerous but these changes still need to be monitored by your woman’s health G.P.
References