20/01/2026
🏷️ WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer occurs when some cells in the breast begin to change and grow in an abnormal way.
When this happens, these changed cells multiply faster than they should and form a lump or tumor inside the breast.
While breast cancer is more common in women above 50 years, it can also affect younger women and even men.
The good news is that with early detection and proper treatment, many people live long and meaningful lives after a breast cancer diagnosis.
This is why awareness, regular checks, and prompt medical attention matter so much.
🏷️SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
-Change in breast size, shape, or contour
-Lump or thickening in breast or underarm
-Skin changes: dimpling, puckering, redness, purple, scaly, or inflamed areas
-Hard, marble-like area under the skin
-Ni**le discharge that appears blood-stained or clear.
🏷️RISK FACTORS
-Age: as a woman ages, and get up to 40-55 and above, the risk increases
-Female gender ; although about 5–1% of breast cancers occur in men
-Family history of breast cancer
-Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
-Smoking
-Alcohol consumption
-Obesity
-Prior radiation exposure (especially chest, head, neck)
-Hormone replacement therapy
🏷️SELF EXAMINATION STEPS
A self breast check helps you understand what is normal for your body, so you can easily notice when something changes.
The best time to do this is about one week after your period,when the breasts are usually less tender.
1• Step One: Look first
Stand in front of a mirror with your back straight and your hands resting on your hips.
Take a moment to observe your breasts. Notice their size, shape, and the skin over them.
Look out for dimpling, redness, swelling, or any change that looks new to you.
Now raise your arms and look again.
Step Two: Feel while lying down
Lie flat on your back and place one arm behind your head.
Using the pads of three fingers on your other hand, gently feel your breast in small circular movements.
Move slowly and cover the entire breast, including the area toward the armpit where breast tissue also exists.
Step Three: Feel while standing or in the shower
With your skin wet and soapy, repeat the same circular movements while standing.
Many people find it easier to feel changes this way because the fingers glide more smoothly over the skin.
If you notice a lump, stay calm.
Most breast lumps are **not cancerous.
However, any new finding should always be checked by a healthcare professional for proper assessment.
