This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the focus for one charity is for women to ‘get to know their normal’. According to a study commissioned by Breast Cancer Now, over 44% of UK women don’t check their breasts regularly for symptoms of breast cancer. Yet, almost half of newly diagnosed women first noticed the initial signs themselves. In our latest blog, we explain why breast self-exams and understanding your ‘normal’ play an essential role in early detection of breast cancer. Alternative options are mammograms as part of an annual health check or the introduction of breast cancer screening tests.

How often and what should I be looking for?

There is no set frequency that you should be checking your breasts, but the general recommendation is once a month. Your menstrual cycle causes changes in your breasts, such as swelling or tenderness, so it’s best to perform a self-exam at the same time every month – preferably the week after your period ends – so you learn what’s normal.

First, look at your breasts and check for any visual changes. Lift your arms to check underneath your armpits. Then, use the flat part of your fingers to feel across your breasts, collarbone, nipples and in your armpits.

  • Feel for a cancerous lump, which is usually quite rounded, soft, tender, or even painful.
  • Is there a thickening in an area of the tissue?
  • Is there any unusual pain or sensitivity anywhere?
  • Look for any visible changes in the size or shape of your breasts.
  • Is one larger or lower than the other?
  • Are there any lumps or irregularities?
  • Has a nipple changed shape or position?
  • Has one become inverted recently?
  • Are there any unusual rashes?
  • Is there any dimpling in the skin of the breast?
  • Do you have any discharge from either nipple?

Breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage is more likely to be treated successfully. While mammograms can help you to detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams and understanding your ‘normal’ play an essential role in early detection.

Breast cancer screening tests

Another option is the introduction of breast cancer screening tests, which have recently become available in the UK. These simple blood tests can screen for 70 different types of cancer, including the most commonly occurring ones, such as breast cancer.

Launched in the UK in late 2022 after rigorous clinical trials, this test can detect even the tiniest existence of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) from a small blood sample. It not only identifies whether you have CTCs but also where they originated. This means you know where the primary tumour is located in your body, speeding up diagnosis and treatment and enabling doctors to focus treatment on the required areas.

At Chelsea Medics, we offer you the option of both the Multi-Organ and Single-Organ tests. Call 0203 9555 444 or email [email protected] to find out more or to arrange a GP appointment.

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