Breast Cancer PSA

mrsrafaelbarba:

Today my mum’s friend died from metastatic breast cancer. She was 53 years old. She was a wife, a mother, a sister and a friend. 

I don’t know how to stress the importance of self examination.

Every woman’s breasts are different in terms of size, shape and consistency. It’s also possible for one breast to be larger than the other.

Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle.

After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.

Five important things to do for being breast aware:

• know what’s normal for you
• look at your breasts and feel them
• know what changes to look for
• report any changes without delay
• attend routine screening if you’re 50 or over

Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.

You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.

See your doctor if you notice any of the following changes:

• a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
• a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling
• a new lump, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that is different from the same area on the other side
• nipple discharge that’s not milky
• bleeding from your nipple
• a moist, red area on your nipple that doesn’t heal easily
• any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in (inverted) or pointing differently
• a rash on or around your nipple
• any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it’s a new pain and doesn’t go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)