Taking care of your breast health with regular self-checks and timely screenings is key to spotting breast cancer early. Dr Sayyada Mawji, General Practitioner at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, shares expert tips on how often to get screened and how to do breast self-exams so you can feel confident and at ease.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time served to remind you about raising awareness on the important of early detection and treatment. Breast cancer is a serious health issue that affects many women worldwide. In the UK alone, around 56,800 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year. Early detection through regular screening can significantly boost your chances of successful treatment.
According to Cancer Research UK, almost 100% of women with stage 1 breast cancer survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. However, for those diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, survival rates drop to around 25%. This highlights how crucial it is to catch breast cancer early.
How often should you be screened for breast cancer?
How often you need to be screened depends on your individual risk factors.
Women with average risk of breast cancer generally start receiving mammograms at age 40 and have one every two years, though professional medical groups differ on their recommendations.
Doctors might suggest additional screening methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), based on the patient’s specific risk factors and body composition.
What does breast cancer screening involve?
There are three primary forms of breast cancer screening.
- Breast exam: Your doctor will feel your breasts and the lymph nodes in your armpits to check for lumps or any unusual changes.
- Mammogram: This is an x-ray of the breast that helps detect abnormalities that may not be felt during a breast exam.
- Breast MRI: This procedure involves an injection of dye and the use of magnetic and radio waves to create detailed images of the interior of the breast.
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare we will work with you to determine if screening is right for you and, if so, which options best suit your needs and preferences.
Dr Sayyada Mawji, General Practitioner at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London says: "If you're worried about breast cancer screening, it's important to know that most findings are not cancerous. Our role is to make the process as comfortable as possible and to ensure that every patient feels informed and supported every step of the way."
Check your breasts regularly
Doing regular breast self-exams is a great way to notice any changes in your breasts early. While this doesn’t replace professional screening, it’s a useful habit to build.
If you notice something unusual, don’t panic—most changes aren’t serious. However, it’s always best to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Catching breast cancer early may lead to less intensive treatment and better outcomes.
Tips for conducting a breast check
- Look: Stand or sit in front of a mirror with your top off and your arms relaxed at your sides. Check for any changes in size, shape or skin texture of the breast or changes in your nipples. Repeat this with your arms raised above your head, and again with your hands on your hips.
- Feel: Lying down or in the shower (using soap to make it easier), use the pads of your fingers to feel your breasts. Apply light, medium and firm pressure to check all areas, including up to the collarbone, under your arms and chest wall area.
If you need help, ask a trusted friend, family member or your doctor.
"Try to do your self-exam at the same time every month,” Dr Mawji explains. “The week after your period is often best, as your breast tissue is less tender or swollen. Remember, there’s no perfect or right way to do it. Just be thorough and get to know what's normal for you."
Risk factors for breast cancer
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing breast cancer, including:
- Being female (although men can get breast cancer too).
- Age (risk increases as you get older).
- Personal or family history of breast cancer or breast conditions.
- Inherited genes, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
- Radiation exposure.
- Obesity.
- Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55).
Get screened for peace of mind
At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, we offer state-of-the-art diagnostic services to ensure you get the right answer the first time. Our team of specialists will work closely with you to recommend the most appropriate screening options, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Don’t put off your screening—it could make a real difference to your treatment and outcomes.
Book an appointment with one of our specialists.