How often do you check for…

[Tittyboom]

…boob lumps?

I found a lump in my boob recently. Scared the absolute shite out of me as it was accompanied by pain. Turned out it was all tickedy boo(b) and was just glandular tissue. It was obvious as I don’t have much in the way of boobs. It’s not the first lump I’ve found as I’ve previously had cysts.

I check my boobs religiously every month (early 30s), one week after my period. Laying down, arm up, the lot. The doctor told me that most women confess to not checking regularly.

I have to confess to being really shocked by that and when I asked my friends, they all said they almost never check, apart from a cursory once over every now and then.

Is that normal? How often do people check? If you don’t, why don’t you?

Hardly ever now.. I did check regularly years ago but found myself stressing about whether this felt different, is that a tiny lump or just normal breast tissue etc etc., so I stopped.

Sorry but I don't understand why on earth there are so many people (the majority, in fact) saying that they don't check their boobs. Breast cancer is SO treatable if it's caught early. If you leave it and wait until the lump is so big you find it when you're not specifically looking, you might not be so lucky.

Boobs can be lumpy and are different at different times of the month; so you should choose a day relating to your period (I do it the day I stop bleeding) that way you'll remember. You'll then learn what's normal for your boobs at that time of the month.

While all new lumps should be checked out, you should be more concerned about irregular shaped lumps that you cannot move under the skin.

Putting your head in the sand WILL NOT prevent you from getting breast cancer. It's not a case of 'I haven't felt it so it's not there'. Rather, by ignoring the issue you're simply making it so that if you DO get it, it may well be too late to do anything about it.

Please check your boobs. It's one of the easiest tests you can do, it's free, and takes just a couple of minutes.

We all know someone who's died of cancer. Please don't let yourselves be the next.

Actually, that sounds like I'm blaming women who have problems - I'm not, I know how hard it can be to motivate yourself when dealing with PND, abuse, a non-sleeping baby etc. Ignore me.

I also found myself getting in such an unnecessary tizzy that I made at least 3 appointments at the doctors just to be reassured which I then felt embarrassed about after each everything is fine from the GP. .

I was 24 when I found a lump, but I didn't know what to do. how stupid does that sound so I left it for a week or 2, and then had a breakdown on a lovely colleague, who said phone the doctors right now. They saw me within the hour, and I was in the boob clinic being checked over 2 days later. It turned out to be a cyst or a lump with a funny name, but I've always checked regularly since.

@Sweettea1

Once a week in the shower. Something so simple that can save your life why would any one not check? Do you people not go for your smear tests aswell?

I just don't think of it. I might start trying to remember but I doubt I won't have forgotten again by this time next week. I go for my smear because I get a letter to remind me. I suspect I would probably forget that too if not prompted.

I’m still shocked that so many women don’t do it, or forget to do it, or more surprising to me, actively choose not to do it. I couldn’t do that, it would be and elephant lurking in the corner of the room.

I hope maybe more women here might start to check if this thread reminds them or prompts them. It’s such a common cancer, 1 in 8 I just read.

To those who have had it or are being treated for it, all the very best to you. 🧡

I checked mine very rarely, when I read an article on breast cancer e.g. Last week I noticed a lump, went to the GP and now waiting for an appointment at the breast clinic

Every time I shower. I'm at risk of a different type of cancer but I cant check for that. I CAN check my breasts though and do daily.

Every time I'm in the shower.

I'm really glad I came across this thread. I've never checked my boobs, perhaps a quick prod twice in my life at the most. I don't know why, but apart from the odd magazine advert about checking it's not something I've heard discussed much.

Currently googling the best way to check and will make sure I do it regularly!

Mine are so lumpy (fibrous tissue ridges) I’ve had 2 mammograms I end up not really finding it helpful when I check, because I can always find lumps but I do

I don't remember to do it very often. I know I should really, I just forget. I dont have periods so couldn't use your system!

Just done it properly for the first time ever while reading this thread in the bath, happy to report no lumps but thanks for the reminder! 😊

Not very often, only because I forget. This thread has reminded me to, I like the idea of checking once a month when my period has finished. Thanks OP for the reminder.

Every 2-3 months probably.
My doctor advised every month or so as I f you check too often (weekly), you are at risk of not even noticing changes because you’re feeling them too often.

@saveforthat hope it goes well for you and you get good results

Quite a lot to be honest. Always just cop a feel out the shower, they’re quite big so I worry I wouldn’t always feel a lump. I’ve had a benign one before but only felt it after a period of weight loss.

So pleased to read your posts @Brokenrecord3006, @bumpdownthestairs and @Prettypennies.

The very best of luck to you, @saveforthat. It’s probably nothing, remember that, but you’re doing the right thing 💪🏻

I'm 47.
I try and do it most Mondays. They're only small though so no great faff.

Thank you raindropumbrella

@Raindropumbrella

Every 2-3 months probably. My doctor advised every month or so as I f you check too often (weekly), you are at risk of not even noticing changes because you’re feeling them too often.

This is what the doctor said to me, too. She said hormonal changes cause lumps throughout the month, so choosing a time just after your period (premenopause) is the best time. Because I’ve got titchy tits I always get a bit anxious about doing it as I sort of expect to find a lump, but she taught me to expect to find lumpy glandular tissue and to learn what’s normal for me.

I have quite bad health anxiety so when I check for things I can get in a bit of a frenzy and start imagining things are there when they aren’t and get a bit obsessive over it. So to avoid that I get my dh to check once a month, he’s never complained about having to do it

I don’t anymore as I got a lump around ovulation and the female g.p treated me terribly so I daren’t check now