Some cancers are found by the woman herself or her partner.

You can help find breast cancer early by getting to know your breasts and being aware of any changes that are not normal for you.

Looking at your breasts in the mirror and feeling them while washing or dressing are important as you get older, especially after age 40. This is recommended for all women, even if they are having mammograms.

If you notice any breast symptoms (changes that are not normal for you) see your doctor as soon as possible. Do not wait for you next mammogram to have this problem checked.

Possible signs of breast cancer are:

• a new lump or thickening
• a change in breast shape or size
• pain in the breast that is unusual
• puckering or dimpling of the skin
• any change in one nipple, such as:
• a turned-in nipple
• a discharge that occurs without squeezing
• a rash or reddening of the skin that appears only on the breast.

In the past, some women were taught a formal technique of breast self-examination. This recommendation is no longer made as there is no evidence that this formal self-examination will reduce a woman’s chances of dying from breast cancer. It can also increase a woman’s risk of having unnecessary biopsies.

Examination by a doctor

You can ask your doctor to examine your breasts for you when you visit for another reason. Many doctors, Family Planning clinics and Well Women clinics offer a breast check as part of a cervical smear consultation. About 55-70 percent of breast cancer will be found if a doctor carries out a breast examination. However, there is limited evidence that breast examinations alone, carried out by doctors, reduce the chance of dying of breast cancer.