Know Your Breasts: A Guide to Breast Awareness

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and is not exclusive to women. Approximately 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, and around 370 men are diagnosed each year. Source: Breast Cancer Now

Why breast awareness matters

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is important as it can help diagnose cancer quickly and ultimately save lives. You may be surprised to learn that more than 2 in 5 women in the UK do not check their breasts regularly, and among those who don’t, some say they lack confidence or don’t know how to check for changes.

No one knows our bodies better than we do – we are our own experts. With breast cancer survival rates continuing to improve (almost 9 in 10 women in the UK surviving for five years or more after diagnosis) learning how to check your breasts and what differences to look for will help you in the fight against cancer.

Knowing your breasts

The best way to get to know your breasts and what is normal for you, is to look and feel them regularly. This can be done when you are in the shower, using body lotion or when you are getting dressed. There is not a special way in which you should feel your breasts, so do this in a way that is comfortable for you but make sure you check your armpits and all the way up to your collar bone too.

When looking for signs and symptoms of breast cancer, most people know to look for a lump but there are many other symptoms to be aware of:

• Changes in the size or shape of a breast
• Dimpling to the skin of the breast
• Thickened breast tissue
• Nipple inversion
• Lump or thickening behind the nipple
• Rash affecting the nipple
• Blood-stained discharge from the nipple
• Swelling or a lump in the armpit

We understand having any of these symptoms can be concerning, and you want to be seen by an expert and have test results back quickly. At our One Stop Breast Clinic, our team of specialists will be able to walk you through the process, answer any questions and make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Although having these symptoms may be a sign of breast cancer, it does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Getting checked as soon as possible will give you the peace of mind you need.

How to check for symptoms?

The first stage of checking for symptoms can be simply done by yourself at home. You need to know what is normal for you and what to look out for. The best way to do this is to look at your breasts and feel them – make sure you are examining all areas and looking out for any of the listed symptoms of breast cancer, especially a breast lump or any pain.

If you are concerned, it is always best to get seen. Early diagnosis can make a big difference to treatment.

Please note: If you are aged 50+ you will be offered regular breast screening appointments by the NHS to reduce the risk of breast cancer and detect abnormalities early.

We understand that if you have any symptoms relating to your breast, you want to be seen by a trusted expert as quickly as possible. Our One Stop Breast Clinic is for anyone experiencing breast symptoms, and gives you access to comprehensive diagnostic services including:

• Consultant breast surgeons
• Breast imaging, including mammogram and ultrasound
• Rapid assessment
• Biopsy where appropriate

What to expect at your Breast Clinic Appointment

1. First meeting with your Consultant Breast Surgeon – One of our dedicated clinic Nurses will support you during your initial meeting with your Consultant Breast Surgeon who will discuss your symptoms and examine you.
2. Same day diagnostic scans – Your Consultant may request that you have diagnostic tests during your appointment. This is usually either a mammogram and/or ultrasound. Please be aware that you may be in the clinic for approximately 2-3 hours. In some instances, further examination is required, and your Consultant may request a core biopsy. These are usually returned within 10-14 days.
3. Follow-up with Consultant – Your Consultant will then take time to talk you through the results of your mammogram and/or ultrasound during your appointment. If you have had a biopsy during your appointment, you will be booked in for another appointment in around two weeks to get the results. One of our Nurses will be able to offer you any support and guidance you might want throughout all your appointments.
4. If further treatment is needed – If your Consultant Breast Surgeon recommends further treatment, they will discuss all the available options with you. Our Breast Care Nurse Specialists will also be able to support you and help with any questions you might have.