Breast examination - is there a really good site? And am I stressing about nothing...

[bintofbohemia]

I've noticed my left breast is a little bit achey from time to time recently, and now am not sure if I've been over-zealous in checking for lumps and have made it sore. Or could it just be that my bra is too tight? Basically I don't really want to go and bother the doctor over an occasional twinge but obviously don't want to be stressing over whether it is or isn't something to worry about. THere are no lumps, not sure about this puckery skin you're supposed to watch out for, mine aren't in the best nick after two pregnancies and three years of breastfeeding, not sure if it's puckering or stretchmarks!

Can someone please talk sense to me about this? I'm possibly being over cautious as one of my friends has just been diagnosed and it's made me more acutely aware of it...

And what I meant in the title is; is there a really good website with tips/pictures of what you're actually supposed to be looking for because all I've managed to find are sites aimed more at health professionals than at actual women who need to do the looking. IYSWIM.

bumping...

this video clip is fairly straightforward and sensible.

IME (I've had breast cancer) - the skin/nipple change was pretty obvious.

BUT - you're feeling uncertain so go to the doctor, it will set your mind at rest, and you can be shown how to do a breast examination. I would always advise that if you have any changes (be it external appearance or achyness) that you have it checked.

It's very likely you've made yourself sore poking - it's easily done, and there are lots of breast problems or conditions that aren't cancer which cause symptoms, so don't stress out .

Kurri - thank you. I think I will just make an appointment and (hopefully) get it ruled out. I'm trying to work out if it's a time of the month thing or if one of my bras in particular is a bit tight. Should just deal with it and stop overthinking.

Are you alright now?

Yes thank you bint - I am fine. I'm sure you will be too, hormonal, time of the month type uncomfortableness is very common, but you've probably felt very aware of it because of your friend's diagnosis. I wish her all the best