Notice any changes

It is very important to look out for breast changes and get them checked as soon as possible. Remember though that most women with breast complaints do not have breast cancer.

What to look for:

Breast

Lump in the breast or armpit

Lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that stays after your period

Size or shape - e.g. one breast might become larger or lower than the other

Skin texture - such as puckers or dimples

Swelling, redness or a rash on the breast

Pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to your period

Nipple

Turned-in, pulled up or down

Blood-stained liquid from one or both nipples

Rash or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area

Breast Self Examination (BSE) has been shown not to be effective but Breast Awareness is recommended.

See the Action Breast Cancer: www.cancer.ie/action/breastawareness.php

Also Breakthrough Breast Cancer: www. breakthrough.org.uk/breast_cancer/breast_awareness

For a statement on BSE see National Breast Cancer Coalition:

http://www.stopbreastcancer.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&...