Self-Examination
Breast problems and breast diseases, particularly breast cancer which may affect 1 in 12 women in the UK, are rightly a cause for concern in women.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF BREAST EXAMINATION?
Routine breast examination by a doctor or nurse has often been a part of family planning, post natal, well woman or HRT check ups. It is now thought that having such an examination only every year or two by a health professional is not likely to pick up breast cancers at a treatable stage. It is much more important that a woman finds changes in her breast as soon as they occur and seeks help from their health advisor. Self examination is easy to learn and helps you to become thoroughly familiar with how your breasts look and feel. As your breasts change at different times of your life and with your menstrual cycle, self examination will help you recognise any changes quickly. Breast self examination, done regularly and systematically, has in the past been recommended to all women as it was believed to be more effective in revealing problems than relying on the traditional check up or a chance finding. Yet there is no clear evidence that this is the case. Regular examinations by doctors and nurses have been shown to be of limited benefit. Nowadays it is appreciated that while some women welcome the assurance self examination brings and feel more confident others find that it can be a source of unnecessary worry or even cause guilt feelings if they neglect to do it. Many doctors now believe a well informed CHOICE is the key.
BREAST EXAMINATION
It doesn't have to be a chore and is best done as part of every day life. If you are still having your periods, do it just after a period when the breasts are naturally less lumpy. Choose a time when you are already undressed in a warm place, perhaps the bath or shower. First, look carefully and then with the flat surface of the fingers of the opposite hand feel all around each breast in turn feeling towards and under the armpit and beneath the nipple as described in our `Step by step' guide to breast examination.
BE BREAST AWARE
SYMPTOMS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Breast :
- Change in size or shape
- Puckering or dimpling of skin
- Enlarged veins
- Lump or thickening
- Rash or scaliness of skin
Nipple :
- Drawing in (Inversion)
- Lump
- Discharge or Bleeding
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND SOMETHING
* don't be tempted to ignore a problem in the hope that it will go away
* do go to your doctor or clinic to get expert advice within a day or two
* ask a friend to go with you if you feel nervous
* remember that many lumps are not serious
MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breasts. It is without doubt effective for detecting abnormalities in the breast even before a lump can be felt. However, at present changes are only shown reliably in the less dense breasts of post menopausal women. All women are automatically offered this test regularly from the age of 50 years in the national screening campaign. Your doctor will be able to give details of this test in your area.
Why have screening centres?; Breast cancer is the most common of the cancers that occur in women. Like most there is a better chance of cure. Mammography can show changes in the breast tissue before there are any out ward signs that anything is wrong.
What is Mammography? It is a type of x-ray. It can show very small changes in breast tissue which cannot be found in any other way. Sometimes these changes are due to breast cancer. If found and treated at this early stage, there is a better chance of a cure. It may only need a small operation.
Are the x-rays harmful? No. the level of radiation is very low.
Who is invited? Mammography is most accurate in women aged 50 and over. All women aged 50 - 64 are being invited to the screening programme. Women over 65 are not being specifically invited, but they are welcome to be screened and should contact the Breast Screening centre to make an appointment. If you prefer you can ask at your doctor's surgery for an appointment to be arranged for you
What will happen at the screening unit? You will be asked to undress to the waist for the x-ray so you may find it helpful to wear a skirt or trousers that day. The radiographer, always a woman, will show you what to do to help her to get a good picture of the breast from the correct angle.
How long will it take? Mammography is very quick and simple. The whole visit only takes about half an hour,
Will it hurt? It may be a bit uncomfortable for a few moments. To get a good picture the breast has to be pressed against the x-ray plate. Some women have very tender breasts at certain times of the month even when they have stopped having periods. Breast screening at that time might be really uncomfortable. If your appointment is on a day when your breasts are likely to be tender you may wish to change it.
What happens after the visit? You will get a letter about two weeks after your screening giving you the result. About one in ten women need extra pictures/x-rays taken at the assessment centre to confirm that their breasts are normal. Some of these women may also need other investigations
How often will I be screened? You will be invited to screening every 3 years but if at an time you notice changes in either of your breasts, don't wait till the next screening - go to your doctor as soon as possible.
