NHS: How should I check my breasts?
There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts.
It’s important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to your GP. A lump could be an early sign of breast cancer.
NHS: Cyclical breast pain
Cyclical breast pain, also known as cyclical mastalgia, is pain in the breasts linked to the menstrual cycle.
Commonly, the pain affects the upper, outer area of both breasts and can sometimes be felt in the arms.
NHS: Breast abscess
A breast abscess is a painful collection of pus that forms in the breast.
Most abscesses develop just under the skin and are caused by a bacterial infection.
NHS Breast Screening Programme
The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening every three years for all women aged 50 and over. Because the programme is a rolling one which invites women from GP practices in turn, not every woman receives an invitation as soon as she is 50. But she will receive her first invitation before her 53rd birthday. Once women reach the upper age limit for routine invitations for breast screening, they are encouraged to make their own appointment.
Breast Cancer Now
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. One in eight women will face it.
This month alone, 1,000 women will lose their lives to breast cancer – and more women are being diagnosed every day.
We won’t rest until we stop breast cancer for good.
Cancer Research UK
Cancer is relentless. But so are we. Whether you fundraise, pledge to leave a gift in your will or donate. Every part supports life-saving research. Play your part and together we will beat cancer.
