HealthFirst

Breast cancer – be breast aware

5th May 2023

Posted by Dr Michelle Wright

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and statistically, 1 in 8 women in Switzerland will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. This Health Matters is part one in a mini-series on breast cancer, starting with the importance of being breast aware and using self-examination to help early diagnosis. The fantastic charity Coppa Feel in the UK describes things that we can see and things that we can feel. 

In terms of things we can see, be on the lookout for:  

  • Changes in breast skin texture – puckering or dimpling of the skin for example – skin that looks a bit like orange peel. 
  • Also, nipple discharge – liquid coming out of your nipples without you having to squeeze them. 
  • Staying on the subject of nipples – nipples that appear to be inverted (pulled into the breast) or have some other change in shape or position, as well as any rash or crusting of the nipple, or the area around the nipple.  
  • It’s also important to be on the lookout for swelling in either armpit, or around your collarbone area – remember I said breast tissue also extends here – as well as any new change in size or shape of one of your breasts that you notice.  

And then things we can feel: 

  • Obviously, any lumps or thickening. 
  • But also any unusual pain in one of your breasts, or your armpits.  

Check in next week to look at the latest evidence around hormones and breast cancer risk.

Subscribe to this podcast

More Articles

Chickenpox Vaccine

Physical Health, Podcast

Chickenpox Vaccine

Dr Michelle talks with paediatrician Dr Sarah Glick about chickenpox and its vaccine and how things have changed in Switzerland since the mid-1990s.

30th June 2025

Alertswiss

First Aid, Podcast

Alertswiss

Why should Alertswiss be on your phone? Dr Michelle reveals how this app keeps you safe in emergencies – from floods to pandemics – and how it helped the village of Blatten.

20th June 2025

Asparagus

Physical Health, Podcast

Asparagus

Dr Michelle discusses asparagus, a nutritional powerhouse with some curious side effects.

18th June 2025

Stay in Touch

Keep up to date with all our latest training and courses