The key is early detection
The key is early detection
Checking your breasts is all about getting to know what your breasts normally look and feel like.
There’s no ‘right’ way to check your breasts. It’s just important to know your normal and to check regularly for any unusual changes. The best time to do a self-check is usually the week after your period, when your breasts aren’t as tender or lumpy.
The five year survival rate for women with early stage breast cancer in New Zealand is 91%, highlighting just how important it is to be aware of how to perform self-checks for early detection.
Follow the below steps to put your health first and conduct your own self-check. If you find something that doesn’t seem normal, it’s important you consult your doctor.
Checking your breasts is all about getting to know what your breasts normally look and feel like.
There’s no ‘right’ way to check your breasts. It’s just important to know your normal and to check regularly for any unusual changes. The best time to do a self-check is usually the week after your period, when your breasts aren’t as tender or lumpy.
The five year survival rate for women with early stage breast cancer in New Zealand is 91%, highlighting just how important it is to be aware of how to perform self-checks for early detection.
Follow the below steps to put your health first and conduct your own self-check. If you find something that doesn’t seem normal, it’s important you consult your doctor.
Check By Touching
![Step one: how to self check for breast cancer](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0069/7348/9222/files/BreastCancer_Touch_1-01.png?v=1726456399")
1. Raise one arm above your head.
2. Press into your breast with your fingertips, feeling for any changes.
3. Check the entire breast area, moving in a circular motion.
4. Repeat, moving up and down.
Check By Looking
It can be scary to find a change that doesn’t feel or look normal, but it’s important to get any concerning signs checked out by your GP, even if you’ve had a mammogram recently.
While most breast changes aren’t caused by cancer, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to be sure. If you’ve had a breast change checked out by your GP and they aren’t concerned, but it continues to grow or change, make sure to return for another check or seek a second opinion.
If you’re unsure about talking to your GP, tell someone you trust, like a girlfriend or your mum. They can support you in visiting your GP. BCFNZ also has nurses available, who can give you free advice. You can reach them by dialling 0800 226 8773 or emailing breastnurse@bcf.org.nz.
It can be scary to find a change that doesn’t feel or look normal, but it’s important to get any concerning signs checked out by your GP, even if you’ve had a mammogram recently.
While most breast changes aren’t caused by cancer, it’s essential to consult with your doctor to be sure. If you’ve had a breast change checked out by your GP and they aren’t concerned, but it continues to grow or change, make sure to return for another check or seek a second opinion.
If you’re unsure about talking to your GP, tell someone you trust, like a girlfriend or your mum. They can support you in visiting your GP. BCFNZ also has nurses available, who can give you free advice. You can reach them by dialling 0800 226 8773 or emailing breastnurse@bcf.org.nz.
