Most breast lumps cannot be prevented because they are caused by hormonal changes that you have no control over. However, it is very important that you identify a breast lump as soon as it develops and get it checked by your GP to rule our breast cancer.
Be breast aware
The Department of Health recommends that women should be ‘breast aware’ and encourages them to check their breasts regularly. Breast aware means being familiar with your breasts and what is normal for them so you can recognise any changes easily and quickly.
See Breast cancer key messages for more information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how to be breast aware. If you notice a lump on your breast you should have it checked by your GP as soon as possible.
Screening
Regular breast screening is also very important because it will help detect any small changes before you have other signs or symptoms. Screening is a way of identifying people who may have an increased risk of developing a certain condition.
For breast cancer, screening is carried out using mammograms. This is a procedure that uses X-rays to produce an image of the inside of your breasts. See Breast lumps - diagnosis for more information about mammograms.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free breast screening every three years for all women in the UK who are 50 years of age or over. The programme is currently being extended so that by 2012 all women who are 47 to 73 years of age will be eligible for breast screening.
NHS breast screening is not usually available for younger women (those under 35 years of age) because mammograms are not as effective for this age group. Breast cancer also tends to be uncommon in young women.
You should speak to your GP if you are below the screening age and you are concerned about changes in your breasts or you have a family history of breast cancer.
