Every woman should be aware of her breasts, and of any changes that may occur, even if she has regular breast screening. If she does not know how to do this, or what to look for, she can ask her Practice Nurse or GP to show her, or go to her nearest well-woman clinic to learn. NHS Direct (tel: 0845 4647) can give details of her nearest well-woman clinic.
The normal breast
Really, there is no such thing; every woman is unique. The secret is to know your own breast and report any changes. Your breast will change normally at various stages in your life.
- Before the menopause: The breasts change at different stages of your menstrual cycle, and when you are pregnant. Before a period and during pregnancy the breasts are more active and may feel tender and lumpy, including the area near to the armpits.
- After a hysterectomy: If the ovaries are conserved, the regular changes that occur will continue to do so until such time as the ovaries cease to be active i.e. at the menopause.
- After the menopause: the hormone-induced activity of the breasts will cease, and the breasts will feel less lumpy and more soft and relaxed. If you are on HRT this effect will be less.
What to look for
- Change of feelings in the breast i.e. discomfort or pain that is not normal for you.
- Lumps in the breast or armpit, which are new and/or different in each breast.
- Alteration of appearance of either breast, particularly if seen when the arm is lifted or moved. Dimpling of the overlying skin may also be significant.
- Changes in either nipple i.e. abnormal discharge, a rash near to or on the nipple, alteration of shape or form of the nipple, bleeding from the nipple, or moist persistent areas that won’t heal.
Most changes in the breast are harmless, but all of them must be checked by your doctor before you can be reassured that they are not early signs of a cancer developing.