I’ve Found a Breast Change –What should I do?
Knowing what your breasts normally look and feel like helps you to notice if something has changed.
If you’ve checked your breasts and found a new lump or area of thickened tissue or noticed an unusual change in your skin or nipple, try not to panic as most changes are caused by something other than cancer. For instance, in young women breast tissue can often feel quite lumpy and some changes may disappear after the menstrual period.
Many benign breast conditions can produce signs which mimic cancer, however if you find something new and different then it’s important to show any change to your GP as soon as possible so that it can be properly investigated.
Make an appointment with your GP
This is the important first step.
See your GP even if you have had a recent mammogram which was reported as normal.
Your GP will ask you about your usual breast health, and check if you have any family history of breast cancer. She/he will perform a clinical examination of your breasts and determine whether there is anything suspicious about the change you have found.
Many people are able to be reassured at this point that the changes are not suspicious.
If the change or lump seems abnormal it should undergo the Triple Test which consists of:
-Clinical breast examination (both breasts and armpits) by a doctor or nurse
- Breast imaging with a diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound depending on your age
-Biopsy to remove a small sample of cells/tissue from a suspicious abnormality.
Your GP can refer you to a breast assessment clinic at your public hospital to have the necessary tests performed or you could choose to be referred to a private breast clinic.
If you have initially been advised that a new change is not concerning but it is persistent or worsening it’s important to have it re-checked or seek another opinion.