What to do if you find a lump in your breast as Jessie J reveals cancer diagnosis

Yahoo

4 days ago

Jessie J has shared that she has been diagnosed with early breast cancer.
The singer, 37, revealed her diagnosis on Instagram, stressing the fact that it was "early" and outlining how, after performing at Capital's Summertime Ball later this month, she will be having surgery.
She added that recently she had been "in and out of tests", before joking that it was a "very dramatic way to get a boob job" – "I will come back with massive tits and more music," she assured fans.
She said her decision to share the news was a tough one, but one she made because she knew how much the support from her fans would help her.
"Selfishly, I do not talk about it enough. I'm not processing it because I'm working so hard," she explained. "I also know how much sharing in the past has helped me with other people giving me their love and support and also their own stories. I'm an open book.
"It breaks my heart that so many people are going through so much similar and worse – that's the bit that kills me."
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We all have breast tissue, so all genders should be checking theirs once a month – whether that's in the shower, in bed, or before getting dressed.
While you can follow it in the order that suits you, the breast cancer charity CoppaFeel has a three-step guide for checking your breasts. Here's what you should be looking, and feeling, for.
Look at your boobs
Look at the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, and up to your collarbone
Be aware of any changes in size, outline or shape and changes in skin, like puckering or dimpling
You may find it easier to use a mirror, and if you can, look with your arms both raised and down by your sides.
Feel each of your boobs
Feel the area from your armpit, across and beneath your boobs, and up to your collarbone
Be aware of any changes in skin like puckering or dimpling, or any lumps, bumps or skin thickening that are different from the opposite side
If you can, you might find it easier to feel with your arms both raised and down by your sides, or lying down
Look at each of your nipples
Be aware of any nipple discharge that's not milky, any bleeding, rash or crusting that doesn't heal easily and changes in the position of your nipple
Again, you may find it easier to use a mirror.
Remember that when looking and feeling, you should repeat each step for each side of your breasts.
To help with easily adding self-checks into your routine, you can use Coppafeel!'s regular boob check reminder.
While Jessie J didn't specify whether or not she found a lump, here's what to do if you do.
While most breast lumps are harmless, some can be serious, so if you feel a lump in your breast, always get it checked by a GP.
At your appointment, your GP will look at and examine your breasts. If they're not sure what's causing the lump, they'll refer you to a hospital or breast clinic for further tests.
At the hospital or breast clinic, you may have a breast examination or scan (usually a breast X-ray (mammogram) or ultrasound). You may also undergo a biopsy, which involves inserting a needle into the lump to remove some cells for testing.
"These tests are often done during the same visit," the NHS advises. "You'll usually be told the results on the same day, although biopsy results take longer – you may have to wait about a week."
Treatment for a breast lump depends on the cause, but it is worth noting that most are harmless and may go away on their own without treatment.
Potential causes of breast lumps
There can be various causes of lumps in the breasts including a non-cancerous tissue growth (fibroadenoma) or a build-up of fluid (breast cyst).
Sometimes, a breast lump can be a sign of something serious like breast cancer.
"We encourage women to attend breast screening appointments when invited and to regularly check their breasts," explains Manveet Basra, associate director, public health, inclusion and awareness at Breast Cancer Now.
"Checking your breasts take a few minutes. It could be when you get dressed, when you're showering or putting on moisturiser. Just remember to check your whole breast area, your armpits and up to your collarbone (upper chest) for changes. There's no special technique, it's as simple as TLC: Touch, Look, Check."
While many women know that a lump can be a possible symptom of breast cancer, there are other signs of the disease to look for.
"These include nipple discharge or dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast," Basra continues. "Most breast changes, including lumps, won't be cancer, but it's important to contact a GP as soon as possible if you notice a change to your breast that's new or unusual for you. The sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
"Anyone seeking information or support about breast health can speak to our expert nurses via our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000 or our 'Ask Our Nurses' email service."
For more information on checking your breasts and signs and symptoms of breast cancer visit: breastcancernow.org/check or https://breastcancernow.org/information-support/support-you.
Read more about cancer:
What happens during a mammogram and how often you should have a breast screening (Yahoo Life UK 6-min read)
Brits less likely to die from cancer and 4 other things we learned from Cancer Research's biggest report yet (Yahoo life UK, 5-min read)
How to check for 4 types of cancer increasing in younger people (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)