Dr Hilary performs a breast examination during the Bin Your Bra Campaign on ITV's Lorraine Show
Being 'breast aware' means getting to know your breasts; how they look and what they normally feel like.
Breast cancers produce few warning signs and hardly ever cause pain. There may sometimes be a vague discomfort, but commonly the first thing people notice is an abnormal lump in their breast.
As part of the 2014 Bin Your Bra appeal for Against Breast Cancer, Dr Hilary demonstrated how (and when) to perform a self examination and reiterated the need to follow the 5 point plan;
Look for;
1. A change in the outline, shape or size of the breast
2. A new isolated lump
3. Any difference between the 'lumpiness' in the two breasts found early in the menstrual cycle and still there at the end of the cycle
4. Skin dimpling that changes the appearance of the surface of the breast
5. In-drawing of the nipple, or alteration in its direction
Other things to look out for may include: discharge or bleeding from the nipple, a distortion of the area around the nipple (areola), an 'orange-skin' appearance of the breast skin, alteration in the position of one breast compared to the other or easily felt lumps or glands (lymph nodes) in the armpit.
Remember - Always go to your GP if you notice anything unusual or are worried.
Breast cancers produce few warning signs and hardly ever cause pain. There may sometimes be a vague discomfort, but commonly the first thing people notice is an abnormal lump in their breast.
As part of the 2014 Bin Your Bra appeal for Against Breast Cancer, Dr Hilary demonstrated how (and when) to perform a self examination and reiterated the need to follow the 5 point plan;
Look for;
1. A change in the outline, shape or size of the breast
2. A new isolated lump
3. Any difference between the 'lumpiness' in the two breasts found early in the menstrual cycle and still there at the end of the cycle
4. Skin dimpling that changes the appearance of the surface of the breast
5. In-drawing of the nipple, or alteration in its direction
Other things to look out for may include: discharge or bleeding from the nipple, a distortion of the area around the nipple (areola), an 'orange-skin' appearance of the breast skin, alteration in the position of one breast compared to the other or easily felt lumps or glands (lymph nodes) in the armpit.
Remember - Always go to your GP if you notice anything unusual or are worried.