In life there are many situations I worry about but today I had one of those extremely weird and never imagined moments. While paying a visit to the Doctor, queue my breast in their hand, I got posed with the lovely question are you …….. sister? I can only say that thankfully, that was the first and I hope the last time my breast and my sister are used in the same sentence. It turns out I am ……. sister, so thank god I wasn’t having a smear!
In fairness to the doctor she was very professional and she gave me a couple of great tips for how to do a breast check at home.
* Standing in front of a mirror, look for changes in the appearance of the breast with hands above head and then with hands on hips.
* Place one hand behind your head and feel the around the breast, keep fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion and check the entire breast and armpit.
* Check your breast regularly, around once a month so you know what is normal for you.
* You should check the breast at the same time every month. Changes can occur during menstruation so it is better to check your breast at a different time in your cycle.
You should go to your Doctor when:
* If you find a lump in the breast or armpit or there is any hardness or swelling of the breast.
* Changes to the nipple – if there is a discharge like pus or blood / redness or itching / nipple turns in or pulls up or down.
* Changes in the skin such as dimpled or puckered skin/ scaly/ orange peel appearance.
* Any other changes that seem unusual.
Having one breast that is smaller or breasts that point sideways are incredibly common so don’t worry about it.
If your not sure about something then see your Doctor, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
