Expert says quick shower could help identify breast cancer early

By Lauren Wilkin

An expert has shared how a two-minute shower scan can help women identify breast cancer early.

Dr. Loren Rourke, a breast cancer surgeon, says: "I'm a major advocate of self–breast exams combined with annual screening mammograms and doctor visits."

But despite breast cancer being the most common cancer in the UK, with one in seven women receiving a diagnosis, around two in five women do not check their breasts regularly.

And new research from Breast Cancer Now has revealed 29% of women in England who regularly check their breasts do not feel confident about identifying a change that could be a sign of breast cancer.

"Self–breast exams are so important...and they're easy to do," says Dr. Rourke.

And the expert, who opened Woodlands Breast Care Center in Houston, Texas, says it only takes a few minutes in the shower.

Dr. Rourke says these checks should never be painful.

"This is why I advocate doing your self-exam in the shower instead of lying down, where people push too hard," she explains.

"There is no wrong way to do a breast exam, as the purpose is to become familiar with your breasts so you will notice if something changes."

Ideally, the doctor says women should be checking their breasts once a month.

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"Pick a date that's memorable, such as your birthday, and do it every month on that day so you don't forget.

"Lather up with some kind of body soap using your fingers and palm, not a sponge.

"Remember that your breast is shaped like a teardrop, which is why you start in the armpit.

"Place your fingers in your armpit and work your way down, feeling your lathered skin over, under, and on the sides of your breast."

Dr. Rourke says to imagine you are feeling the pillow inside your pillowcase.

"You are looking for any kind of lump or anything that feels new or different," she added.

"If you feel something or have a concern, get it checked.

"Feel the same areas on both breasts to compare. They should actually feel similar.

"Gently press to feel for lumps. If you push so hard that you feel your ribs, then stop. You're examining tissue here, so gentle compression is all that is needed.

"Trust your fingers, but do not hurt yourself."

Breast Cancer Now reports that almost 100% of people diagnosed with breast cancer at Stage 1 survive for at least five years, compared with 32% of those diagnosed at Stage 4, when the disease has spread to other parts of the body.

So checking your breasts regularly will mean you're more likely to catch the disease early.