Are you doing the best for your breasts?

Being breast aware is important year-round, but during October it takes on special importance for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Nearly 50,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK and it is not just women who are affected by the disease, although rare, more then 300 men are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year.

The number of people being diagnosed is increasing each year and it is estimated that one in nine women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some stage in their lives, with Britain estimated to have the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the world. Although worrying, mortality rates have decreased as treatment options have increased. However, early diagnosis is crucial as the more developed the cancer the more difficult it can be to treat.

Why should I check my breasts?

It is important to check your breasts regularly from an early age so you can begin to understand the normal changes your breasts go through on a monthly basis. Without this knowledge it is very difficult to identify any abnormal changes or lumps that could be a sign of cancer or other breast conditions.

How do I check my breasts?

There is no set method for doing this as it takes time to get to know your body and find a method that works for you.

Take a few moments out on a monthly basis to check your breasts, possibly whilst in the shower or in front of a mirror, wherever feels most comfortable for you. It is best not to do this immediately before, or during a period as hormonal changes can make the breasts quite tender and lumpy.

The main things to look for when examining your breasts are:

• Any rash on or around nipple area
• Change in breast’s size or shape
• Change in nipple position or shape
• Pain in any area of your breasts
• Swelling under armpit or around your collar bone
• Lumpiness or thickening in any area of breast

Work all the way around your breasts, up to your collarbone and into the armpit as breast tissue also extends into these areas. It is important to use both light and firm pressure on the breast so you can feel for any lumps that may be in the deeper tissue.

If you do find anything unusual it is important not to panic, not all lumps are cancerous and in nine out of 10 cases it is likely to be a minor condition that can be easily treated.  If you do find a lump or notice anything unusual in your breast make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible.

What if I don’t feel confident about self examination?

It can be difficult to know if you are examining your breasts correctly, especially if your breasts are healthy, with no abnormalities. A breast screening device, such as Breastlight, can help bring peace of mind.

Breastlight is a unique handheld device that works by shining a bright red light through the breast tissue to highlight the internal structure of the breasts. The unit is completely safe to use regularly and emits light at a visible wavelength so no damage will be caused to either your skin or breast tissue.

When using the Breastlight the red light is absorbed by the haemoglobin in your blood, causing the blood vessels to show up as dark lines. During examination with the Breastlight you are looking for any dark areas or shadows because in the early stages of some types of malignancies there is an increase in the blood flow to the area. Any abnormality should be checked by your doctor as Breastlight is not a substitute for routine breast screening or clinical tests.

Fawn Leith, Family Nurse said: 'Everyone has been affected by this disease. We know that the earlier it’s detected the better. Something like Breastlight that’ll help identify a problem earlier, is just wonderful.'

For this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month Breastlight, the leading breast screening device for self examination, has teamed up with the Pink Ribbon Foundation to help raise vital funds for the research and treatment of the disease.

Throughout October Breastlight are offering an exclusive £10 discount on all online orders of Breastlight units, with £1 from each sale going directly to the Pink Ribbon Foundation. Breast Cancer Awareness month is not just about treating breast cancer, but also the importance of being breast aware and raising awareness of the steps that can be taken to ensure optimum breast health. Breastlight can help you familiarise yourself with your normal breast structure, making it easier to spot and treat abnormalities at an early stage.

If you or someone close to you has been affected by Breast Cancer, you may wish to visit our Breast Cancer Support message board where you can seek and offer advice and support by connecting with women like you in complete confidence.