How do I use Breast Sense™ breast self-examination glove?

After carrying out your breast self-examination with your bare hand repeat it using your Breast Sense™ glove:

Slide your hand, which is opposite to the breast you are about to examine, inside the glove.

Gently rub the glove between your hands to warm it up to your body temperature.

Place the glove on your breast/armpit, with the side containing liquid against your skin.

Press the glove firmly against your skin. Keeping your fingers flat and together inside the glove, begin your examination.

Please refer to part 2 of a Breast Sense DVD for more details on correctly performing monthly breast self-examinations.

How should I care for my Breast Sense™ glove?

The Breast Sense™ self-examination glove is a reusable product. If you want your glove to last longer, follow two simply steps:

1. After use rinse your glove with lukewarm water and gently pat dry.

2. Place the glove inside the pouch and store at room temperature in a dry area.

What is breast cancer?

The breast is made up of millions of cells. Breast cancer develops when a single cell begins to multiply out of control and forms a tumour. Some cells may break away and travel to other parts of the body starting new tumours.

What can I do to increase my chances against breast cancer?

Early detection of breast cancer means a patient has more treatment choices and a much better chance of a full recovery.

Three steps for early detection of breast cancer are recommended by medical experts worldwide:

Monthly self-examination starting from the age of 20.

A clinical breast examination by a qualified physician every three years to age 40, and each year thereafter.

A mammogram at age 50 and every 3 years thereafter.

Why should I carry out monthly self-examinations?

Regular self-examinations help you to know how your breasts normally feel and look so that if there are any changes you will notice them.

Breast Sense™ is an invaluable aid for women that is designed to increase the sensitivity of the fingertips while performing their monthly breast examination.

The unique magnifying sensation of the glove enhances the ability to feel even the smallest changes/irregularities.

What changes should I look for?

It is mainly women themselves who first notice their breast changes, which may indicate breast cancer. These are the changes that you should be looking for when you look at and feel your breasts:

• Changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts.
• A new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit.
• Any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin.
• Changes in the position of the nipple, a rash or nipple discharge.
• Pain and discomfort that is new to you and felt only on one side.

What shall I do if I find a change?

When you perform your breast self-examination regularly, you know better than anyone how your breasts feel and look normally, so if you notice a change, see your GP as soon as is possible.

Do not worry that you may be making an unnecessary fuss, and remember that most breast changes will be benign (non-cancerous) and harmless.

When your GP examines your breast she/he may be able to reassure you, there and then, that there is nothing to worry about. Alternatively, she/he may decide to send you to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.

What if a detected change turns out to be cancerous?

It is worth remembering that 7 out of 8 breast lumps are found to be benign – in other words, they are not cancerous. But even if you do have a serious problem, there is absolutely no doubt that early diagnosis and treatment greatly increases the chances that the cancer can be cured completely. In some cases early detection can increase survival rates by up to 90%!

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a breast x-ray.

Breast screening can show cancers at an early stage, when they are too small for you to notice.

In the UK women aged between 50 and 64 are offered screening for breast cancer every three years. If you are 65 or over you are still entitled to have a free mammogram every three years, but you need to ask your GP to arrange an appointment for you.

For women over 40 breast screening is available from private health-screening centres.

Breast screening is effective but is not perfect. Do not forget to carry out your monthly self-examinations, even if you have been for screening.

Do men suffer from breast cancer?

Men too need to be aware of any changes in their breast tissue, as approximately 200 men in the UK get breast cancer each year