Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but only your doctor can help you obtain the tests that determine for sure. The purpose of practicing regular breast self-exams is to know what is ‘normal’ for you. Report any changes to your doctor promptly. Remember the chances of survival when breast cancer is found in later stages are less than 20%!

Every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, and that risk increases with age. In fact, more than 80% of breast cancers are diagnosed in women who do not have breast cancer in their family.

The sooner a cancer is detected, the easier it will be to treat it. The only way to detect cancer early is by regular screening (Clinical breast exam & Mammogram) according to the guidelines.

Women who decrease their body fat and exercise regularly, more than three hours per week, can decrease their risk of breast cancer by approximately 20%. This may be due to an overall decrease in circulating estradiol [a type of estrogen] that may in turn decrease the stimulation to cells that are potentially pre-cancerous. If a low-fat diet can help decrease a woman's overall body fat, it may indirectly help to decrease her risk.

It's understandable to be confused about breast self-exam, but what's most important is that you're doing it. Because of the fact that you have found something that doesn't feel exactly correct to you, it’s worth seeing your gynaecologist or primary care physician for a good clinical breast exam. You may be feeling tenderness within your breast or armpit area that has a perfectly rational explanation, but using your own sense that something isn't exactly right to guide you to your gynaecologist is certainly appropriate.