Getting to know your breasts is one of the simplest things you can do for your health, and it only takes a few minutes. There's no special technique for you to master and no need to feel anxious about it. It's really just about becoming familiar with how your body normally looks and feels, so you're more likely to notice if something changes.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Around 59,000 women are diagnosed each year (Cancer Research UK), and around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime (Breast Cancer Now). Breast cancer can also affect men, though it's not as common.
Your risk increases as you get older, but it's worth checking your breasts at every stage of life. Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment.
How Do I Check My Breasts?
All breasts are different. There's no right or wrong way to check, as long as you get to know how your breasts usually look and feel.
- Stand in front of a mirror with your arms relaxed by your sides. Look for any changes in the shape, size or skin of your breasts.
- Raise your arms above your head and look again, from the front and both sides.
- Using the flat of your fingers, feel each breast in small circles, with light and firm pressure that doesn't cause discomfort. Cover the whole breast, up to your collarbone and into each armpit.
- Feel around and over each nipple, and look for any changes to the nipple or the skin around it.
You might find it easier to check in the shower or while lying down, when your skin is soft and it's easier to feel for changes.
How Often Should I Check My Breasts?
Aim to check your breasts once a month. Your breasts can change throughout your menstrual cycle, so it helps to check at the same point each month, such as a few days after your period ends. If you've been through menopause, choose a date that's easy to remember and check on that date each month.
Checking regularly helps you get familiar with what's normal for you, so you're more likely to notice when something changes.
What Are the Signs of Breast Cancer?
It's not just lumps you should look out for. Signs and symptoms to look and feel for include:
- A new lump or swelling in your breast, upper chest or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin, or skin that looks like orange peel
- A change in skin colour, such as redness. Redness can be harder to see on darker skin.
- A rash, crusting or redness on or around the nipple
- A nipple that has recently turned inwards or changed position
- Fluid coming from the nipple when you're not pregnant or breastfeeding
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
- Constant pain in your breast or armpit
Your breasts can look and feel different at different times: during your menstrual cycle, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and after menopause. These changes can be completely normal. If a change doesn't go away, doesn't follow your usual cycle, or just doesn't feel right to you, get it checked.
Have You Noticed Your Bra Fitting Differently?
A change in the size or shape of your breasts is one of the signs to look out for, and it's often something you notice first through your bra. If a bra that usually fits well suddenly feels tighter, looser or uneven on one side, take a moment to check your breasts.
Breasts naturally change over time, too, with weight changes, pregnancy and age. Our guide on How to Measure Your Bra Size and our bra size calculator can help you find the right fit as your body changes.
Do Self-Checks Replace Breast Screening?
No. Checking your breasts and going to breast screening work together. In the UK, the NHS invites women aged 50 to 71 for breast screening (a mammogram) every three years. You can still see your GP about any changes at any age, whether or not you've been invited for screening.
What Should I Do If I Find a Lump or Notice a Change?
Try Not to Panic
We know that's easier said than done. Most breast lumps aren't cancer. Many are caused by harmless things such as cysts or normal changes in breast tissue.
Book an Appointment With Your GP
If you notice any change that's unusual for you, contact your GP and make an appointment. Most changes turn out to be harmless, but getting checked early gives you peace of mind, and prompt treatment if you need it.
If your GP thinks you need further tests, they'll refer you to a breast clinic. There, specialists will guide you through each step and give you the advice and support you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a breast cancer lump feel like?
It varies. Some lumps feel hard and fixed in place, while others are softer or move slightly. You can't tell whether a lump is cancerous just by feeling it, so see your GP about any new lump.
Is breast pain a sign of breast cancer?
Breast pain on its own is rarely a sign of breast cancer, and it's often linked to your menstrual cycle. See your GP if the pain is constant, only affects one breast or your armpit, or doesn't go away.
What age should I start checking my breasts?
It's a good idea to start checking your breasts from your late teens or early twenties, so you learn what's normal for you. Then keep checking for life.
Can breast cancer affect younger women?
Yes. Breast cancer is most common in women over 50, but it can happen at any age. That's why it's important to keep checking regularly, whatever your age.
Lounge's Feel Your Breast Campaign
Since 2018, Lounge's annual Feel Your Breast campaign has raised over £1 million for breast cancer awareness through The Lounge Foundation.
Together, we've funded 283 families to make forever memories and given 1,760 gifts to Birmingham Women's & Children's Hospital. We've also donated £475k to seven charity partners through 535 donation grants.
Every penny raised helps The Lounge Foundation support women affected by cancer. The money helps them make forever memories with their families, access essential post-treatment therapy, or simply get through treatment a little more easily.
