Health check you can do quicker than making a cup of tea

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world, with one woman being diagnosed every ten minutes here in the UK. Research has shown that the percentage of women checking their breasts has dropped from 49% in 2022 to just 45% in 2024.

Cancer Research claims that around 56,500 women and around 390 men are diagnosed with the condition in the UK each year. Breast cancer risk can be affected by age, family history and lifestyle factors, including obesity and smoking.

Dr Cihan Uras, a breast cancer surgeon with over 35 years of experience, at Acıbadem Hospitals, wants to get the education out there on how to check your breasts effectively, pushing for everyone to start this Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Checking your breasts just once a month could be the difference between catching cancer early and catching it too late, and it takes less time than making a cup of tea.

Dr Cihan said: “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, but when it’s detected early, survival rates are very high. The best thing you can do for yourself is to be familiar with your own body and notice changes quickly. A self-check takes only three minutes.”

The doctor discusses how to perform the three-minute check, which should be done once a month to spot early changes.

The first step in this process is simply checking yourself in the mirror. Dr Cihan said that this should be done topless, adding: "Stand with your shoulders straight, with your hands on your hips, and look in the mirror for any noticeable differences. As you do this more often, these differences will be easier to spot."

There are a few signs to look out for that might be a warning sign of breast cancer. The doctor said: "Initial signs that you should be looking for include dimpling of the skin, any redness, rashes or changes to the nipple, particularly inversion or discharge.”

Whilst looking at yourself, start to raise your arms up and hold them above your head. The doctor said that people should be watching for any changes in contour, if there is any swelling that has arisen or any pulling of the skin.

He added: "Lifting your arms stretches the breast tissue and skin. This makes subtle changes more visible, especially puckering or pulling of the skin that may not be very noticeable when your arms are by your side. It can also help reveal differences in movement between the two sides.”

The final part of the self-check process is done whilst lying down. People should use the flat of their fingertips around the breasts to feel in circular motions.

The doctor said: "Make sure that you cover the whole breast from the top to the bottom, as well as side to side. Don’t forget to go right up to your armpit area too. Apply different pressures - light, medium and firm - to ensure you’re feeling all layers of the breast tissue." During this part of the checks, you should be on the lookout for any thickened areas, feelings of tenderness and, of course, any lumps.

People should not panic straight away if something is felt or noticed during these self-checks. These symptoms can occur for a number of different reasons, and they may not always mean cancer.

The doctor said: "If you do find a lump, always have it checked as soon as possible by a medical professional, just in case it is cancerous. The chances are, you would’ve spotted it early, especially if you’re doing this every month, and your doctor can begin any treatment sooner rather than later.

"The best time to do these checks is a few days after your period ends, when you’re less likely to experience tender breasts due to your cycle. For women who no longer get periods, picking the same time each month will just help you get into a better routine.”