There is no one correct time or technique for breast examination. Women should get into the habit of feeling and looking at their breasts from time to time. Being breast aware means being aware of changes throughout the month.
Check yourself in a way that is comfortable and convenient for you. Some women find it convenient to look at their breasts when preparing for a bath or shower, using a mirror to view their breasts from different angles.
Some women find it easiest to feel their breasts with a soapy hand since this slides easily over the breasts. Some women find it more comfortable to feel their breasts when lying on the bed, in which case a skin lotion or moisturiser may help the hand slide over the breasts.
Once you are familiar with the usual feel and appearance of your breasts you will be able to detect changes.
Anyone who feels uncomfortable or anxious about feeling their breasts may find it helpful to discuss their worries with a doctor or nurse, or staff at a well woman clinic.

Changes to be aware of
It is important to remember that each woman's breasts are different and that it is normal for them to change in appearance and feel. They can be affected by the menstrual cycle, age, pregnancy, the menopause and taking the contraceptive pill.
For example, women having periods may have lumpy, tender breasts just before their period and soft breasts immediately afterwards. After the menopause, breasts may feel softer and less lumpy. These changes are normal.
Changes which may not be normal are:
• change in size of your breasts (after puberty is complete)
• changes in the shape of your breasts, eg flattening or swelling
• dimpling of the skin (skin looks like the texture of orange peel)
• change in the position of the nipple, eg newly inverted (turned-in) nipple
• any discharge from the nipple (unless you are breastfeeding and it's milky discharge)
• a rash or crusting on the nipple or surrounding area
• swelling or a lump in the breast or armpit
• veins which stand out more than usual
• any changes in sensation, especially if in one breast only
• constant pain in part of the breast or armpit
Remember, you are looking and feeling for any changes in your breasts that are unusual for you.

When to see a doctor
The main form of breast screening for women is mammography, a low-dose X-ray of the breast tissue. Mammography can not only detect breast cancer, but it can also show other breast problems that are not cancers. Mammography can often reveal lumps before they can be felt and it can also show small deposits of calcium in the breast, which may be a sign of early cancer. Mammography is used routinely for screening in certain groups of women.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme offers mammography once every three years to women between the ages of 50 and 64 years. This will be extended to include women up to and including the age of 70 by 2004.
Women with a family history of breast cancer will be offered regular mammograms from an earlier age. The usual recommendation is to start screening 10 years earlier than the age at which the youngest close relative with breast cancer was diagnosed.
Younger women are not routinely invited for screening and breast cancer is quite rare in women under 50. However, breast screening is available for women over 40 at independent screening facilities including BUPA Wellness Centres.
Women who are attending for mammographies should continue to be breast aware.

Having a mammogram
You will need to undress to the waist in a private changing area, so it may be best to wear a skirt or trousers. The radiographer will help you to get into the right position for the X-ray. Each breast is positioned between two special plates and you must then remain still for a short time while the X-rays are taken (one from the side and one from above). Some women find the pressure of these plates uncomfortable, but the X-ray takes only a few seconds and the pressure of the plates is not harmful.
Depending on the centre that you attend for the test, the results may be given to you on the same day, or they may be posted out to you.

Five-point breast awareness code
The main UK breast cancer charities recommend a five-point code:
• Know what is normal for you
• Check both the look and feel of your breasts
• Know what changes to look for and feel
• Report any changes to your GP without delay
• Attend for routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over