'It was easily missed.' These women did a self breast check. This is what they found.

I work in a charity that focuses on preventing breast and ovarian cancer in women who are high risk for cancer, so not a day goes by where I haven’t said ‘breast’ at least five times before I’ve had breakfast. 

My internet search history would certainly raise red flags if I wasn’t in a health focused organisation!

You've probably heard of what doctors call Self Breast Checks – when we have a feel around to check for anything unusual or different to the norm.

Watch: Check your breasts: A quick how-to. Story continues after video.

As women, we are often too busy looking after others or putting these sorts of check off because there are more pressing things to deal with. I know that when I do remember to check, it’s often rushed and a bit half-arsed. But I want to see women putting themselves and their health first and not only talking about breast checks, but doing them.

It’s important to know your normal. For you. If you notice anything unusual, get checked. It’s for this reason that I share my experience and the story of my three friends with you.

The breastfeeding bump.

I had a mastectomy in 2019 so when I think back to my breasts, I remember them being way more fabulous than they probably were in reality. What I do remember about my breasts is that before my mastectomy, when I was breastfeeding one of my babies, I found a teeny tiny lump that I could only feel when my breasts were engorged like watermelons.

My engorged breastfeeding boob. Image: Supplied. 

I put it down to breastfeeding, but one day I mentioned this in passing in a medical appointment and because I am ‘high risk’ for breast cancer, I was advised to have an ultrasound and biopsy. Not the most pleasant of tasks while breastfeeding, but something I was fortunate to have done for free under our health system.

Lucky for me, nothing nasty was found in the biopsy and I could go on as normal. It was eight years after this experience that I ultimately made the decision to remove my breasts, but at the time, I was glad I spoke up about my lump and got checked.

The breast dimple.

My health advocate friend Luan has a different story, a less than typical scenario. She had no lumps, bumps or any of the common signs that one looks for when breast checking. Luan had a routine mammogram, and it was discovered that she had a dimple under her breast, on her bra line. When she would do her self checks at home, the lighting in her bathroom would shadow the tiny dimple so it was easily missed. 

After some testing and a biopsy, Luan was told she did in fact have breast cancer. Her only sign was that sneaky dimple in the fold under her breast.

Luan’s under the boob dimple, post-biopsy. Image: Supplied. 

I am pleased to report that Luan is fighting fit after many months of treatment and she is now a keen health advocate who devised the BRA-va Art campaign to raise awareness of reconstruction options after mastectomy.

The growing lump.

Angel’s husband brushed his hand across her breast one morning during a "snuggle" and felt a small lump. She dismissed it and put it down to her period being due and being a bit lumpy at that time of the month, as we can all be.

She also noticed that when she was at the gym, simple movements like jumping and skipping really hurt her breasts. When the lump continued to grow and with her continued breast soreness, she sought advice from a health professional.

Angel’s 'bump'. Image: Supplied. 

Sadly, for Angel, her lump and tender breasts ended in a diagnosis of cancer which she is managing (well) today. Because of the ‘brush of the breast’ and her awareness of her breast soreness, they managed to find her cancer and treat it early. 

The armpit lump.

Sarah was just 29 when she was washing in the shower and noticed something unusual under her armpit. The lump was not normal for her, so she marched into her doctor’s office to have it investigated. After many investigations (including some talk about her family cancer history), Sarah was told she had Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Her only symptom was a small lump tucked away in her armpit, barely on the front of her breast. Sarah has been cancer free for over 15 years and is now thriving as CEO of a charity focused on preventing cancer.

Sarah’s post-surgery (a bit groggy) pic. Image: Supplied. 

When was the last time you did a breast self check?

I don’t share these stories to scare you into thinking you have breast cancer; I share them to remind you that there is more to check for than just lumps and bumps. 

Dr Samriti Sood recently reminded us of what to look for when doing a breast check and it was as simple as: Look. Feel. Move. 

Look for dimples, divots, lumps, and any changes around the nipple or in the skin. Feel your breasts using the flat surface of your hand and stroke towards the nipple. Move your arms up, look under and to the side to check for anything that is not normal for you. Dr Sood also suggests that doing breast checks regularly, on different days of your cycle is best. If you notice something unusual, get checked.

And don’t shy away from self breast checking if you have breast implants. It is A-OK to self breast check when you have implants. In fact, it’s a good idea to get your implants checked at a clinic or specialist regularly. You can also have mammograms with breast implants, just be sure to tell the mammographer.

All the women in these stories knew their bodies and what was normal for them. They took action when things weren’t right and they want you to do the same thing.

For support and information about being at increased risk for developing cancer, visit Pink Hope.

Feature Image: Supplied.

This article was originally published in October 2022 and has since been updated.

Want to win a $50 gift voucher? Complete this survey now to go in the running!