Be Breast Aware - Know your Breasts

		Stand in front of a mirror that allows you to see the whole of your breast area and check for anything that looks unusual. Raise your arms above your head, tense your chest muscles and look at your chest from all angles, checking the outline of your breasts.
		Examine your breasts both whilst standing upright and when lying down. For example, carry out your examination whilst in the bath or the shower. Using the flat part of your fingers check the important areas, using a firm, circular motion

Signs to look out for include,
A lump in the breast;
Puckering or scaling of the skin of the breast;
Any unusual change in the shape or size of one of the breasts;
A new dimpling of the nipple, or one that has retracted or changed its position or shape;
A change in the colour of the skin, or a rash around the nipple;
Gently squeeze each nipple and check for any discharge that looks like coloured fluid;
An enlargement of the lymph nodes (these can be found under your arm, and around your collarbone area).

The important areas to check are:
The breast itself;
The area between the breast and underarm;
The underarm itself;
The area above the breast, up to the collarbone and over the shoulder.

If you have any medical concerns about your breasts you must seek professional advice immediately. Contact your GP directly or one of the following:

NHS Direct 0845 790 90 90
Breast Cancer Relief Freephone: 08000 523 078

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