Knowing your boobs inside out is important.
They’re your breasties, so you need to treat them right! That means checking for anything out of the ordinary...
We know it might seem like a chore, and we know it can be a little worrying if you find something that shouldn’t be there, but knowing how to detect breast cancer at its early stages can save lives.
You can check your boobs any day, any time and most importantly, any place. In the shower, when you’re lying down or before you get dressed, perhaps. But make sure you’re doing it at least once a month!
Early breast cancer symptoms might not always show, but it’s important to know your breasts so even the smallest change is noticeable. After all, nobody knows your body better than you.
BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
CHANGES IN THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN
Are your boobs a little bit swollen? Are you experiencing redness or both, perhaps? One of the first signs of breast cancer is swelling and redness, so it’s important to flag any of these changes to your healthcare provider.
It’s also important to check for puckering, dimpling or a rash. Some women find that they have a rash or redness of the nipple and surrounding skin. The skin might look like orange peel, and the texture can often feel different. This is one of the more physical symptoms of breast cancer.
AN INCREASE IN SIZE OR A CHANGE IN SHAPE OF THE BREAST
However, if you spot something that looks a little bit odd, it’s important that you don’t ignore it. Breast cancer can often cause your breast, or breasts, to look bigger than usual, or they might feel different. Many healthy women of reproductive age find their breasts lumpy and tender just before their period. A change in size or shape that doesn’t align with your menstrual period is one of the first signs of breast cancer, so don’t overlook it, ladies.
BREAST LUMPS
One of the first symptoms and early warning signs of breast cancer in many women is a lump. Most lumps are non-cancerous, so it’s important that you don’t panic. We know it’s easier said than done, so we’ve put together a video showing you ways to feel your breast for lumps.
It’s super important that you get any lumps checked, even if they’re not painful. Your GP will arrange for you to have tests to find out whether the lump is cancerous or not. For many, breast lumps turn out to be non-cancerous.
A LUMP OR SWELLING IN THE ARMPIT
We spend a lot of time shaving our pits, girls, so as well as checking your breasts, it’s important to check your armpits too. Breast tissue connects to your armpits, so this area is just as important as the breasts themselves. You can’t usually feel the lymph glands in your body unless they’re swollen from a cold or infection, however, a less common cause of swollen lymph glands or a lump in the armpit can mean you need to see a doctor.
CHANGES IN THE POSITION OF THE NIPPLE
Nipples can often become inverted or sink into the breast. Our nipples naturally react to changes in our body temperature - when it’s cold, they harden and when it’s warm, they are much softer. However, an inverted nipple that is persistent can be an early sign of breast cancer. Get it checked out if something doesn’t seem right!
FLUID LEAKING FROM THE NIPPLE
Got a leaky nipple? If you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding, fluid from the nipple can be an early warning sign, but there are sometimes other conditions that can cause this. You know what we’re going to say...if in doubt, check it out.
BREAST PAIN
It’s normal to have breast pain and in most cases, it’s not due to breast cancer. You might get pain in one or both of your breasts for a while, which goes after a time. This can be due to hormonal changes in your breasts in line with your menstrual period, breast cysts which are non-cancerous, or a benign breast lump known as a fibroadenoma.
However, if the pain doesn’t go away or is causing you discomfort, it’s always best to get it checked.
BREAST HEALTH AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Remember, all our bodies are different. Just because we’ve listed some of the physical symptoms of breast cancer and early warning signs to look for, it doesn’t mean that you have the disease. All of our boobs are different.
However, if you do think that something isn’t right, please go and get it checked out. Early breast cancer symptoms need to be picked up and picked up fast. It can save your life - literally! Ask someone in your family to come with you to your appointments for support, or ask your Breastie to join you!
You may have heard of our Lounge Legends. They’ve all been through a diagnosis. So, be sure to check out their stories for some breast tips.
Stay safe, stay aware and most importantly, #FeelYourBreast