Feeling a lump in your breast should not cause you to have an immediate panic attack or set you into a state of anxiety. The majority of lumps felt by women are not breast cancer but rather are benign or non-cancerous. Most women have ‘lumpy’ breasts and breast tissue has a naturally bumpy texture; which is more pronounced during your period. Lumps are often related to your normal menstrual cycle and may disappear after your period.

You should consult with an appropriately trained healthcare provider if:

• You find a lump that feels different from the rest of your breast, is hard, increasing in size or is changing in any way
• You find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from the rest of your breast
• Find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from your other breast or feel something that’s different from what you felt before

Once you have made an appointment to see a healthcare provider, he/she will take a history from you focused on your past medical conditions, your gynaecological history, your family history of breast cancer and when you noticed the lump.

The provider will perform a physical examination including a breast examination. A breast examination requires that you undress. An examination gown will be provided. The provider will look at your breasts with your arms at your side and then raised above your head. Taking note of differences in size or shape and if there are any abnormalities of the skin of the breast and the nipple. He/she will then proceed to feel each breast individually and feel within your axilla – armpit – for any lumps.

Completing your personal medical history and examination, the provider will be able to make an assessment of the further management of the breast ‘lump’ you have felt. This may be any of the following protocols:

• Based on your age, history and the formal examination the lump is thought to be completely benign and no further formal medical management is required – but you will be asked to continue doing Breast Self Examinations and taking note of any changes. If anything changes or you find yourself continually anxious you may ask for re-assessment at any subsequent stage. If you are not confident with the providers assessment, you are well within your rights to seek a second medical opinion.
• Based on your age, history and the formal examination the lump is thought to be completely benign but the provider wishes for you to follow-up for a second examination in a set period of time.
• Based on your age, history and the formal examination the lump in question requires further testing in the form of mammography – a mammogram – or ultrasound. The provider will arrange for this investigation with a Radiologist. Further management will be based on what these investigations find.

Remember that all women over the age of 40 years old should have a screening mammogram at least every two years or earlier and more frequently if you have a strong family history of Breast Cancer or if you are a Breast Cancer survivor.