How to check your breasts
It is important to be breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you, so that you can spot any changes.
Why is checking your breasts important?
Bring breast aware means knowing what is normal for you, so that you can spot any changes.
The sooner you notice a change the better because if cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts every month. This will help you to notice any change if it occurs.
This video explains how to check your breasts
Our cancer nurse Roz shows you how to check your breasts, step by step and what changes to look out for each month.
Changes in your breasts to be aware of
- A lump, any size, or thickening in your breast or armpit
- A change in size or shape – it may be that one breast has become larger
- A change in the skin of your breast – like puckering or dimpling
- A breast abscess (infected boil) – this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast
- A change in your nipple – pulled-in, sunken, or flattened nipple
- An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples – the discharge may be blood-stained or watery
- A change on or around the nipple, such as a rash, or flaky or crusted skin
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
Techniques for checking your breasts
- Look for changes: By using a mirror so that you can see the breasts from different angles.
- Feel for changes: An easy way of feeling your breast is with a soapy hand in the bath or shower. Some women prefer to feel for changes while lying down.
Know what is normal for you
It's important to know what is normal for you. Your breasts will go through many normal changes during your life. For example, they are affected by changes in your hormones during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy and breastfeeding and menopause.
Your breasts often change when you are having periods each month. They can become bigger, tender and lumpy usually before a period starts, returning to normal once the period is over. However, some women may have tender, lumpy breasts throughout their cycle.
The changes that occur during your menstrual cycle continue during pregnancy. If you are breastfeeding, your breasts may be very enlarged, firm and tender - this is normal at this time. However, you should continue to check your breasts and discuss any unusual changes with your GP.
After the menopause your breasts will feel softer and they may get bigger or smaller. If there is a change in only one breast, you should discuss this with your doctor. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may cause your breasts to feel firmer and quite tender.
Questions to ask your GP if you have noticed a change in your breasts
- Why are you referring me for investigation?
- Can I be referred to a specialist breast clinic?
- How quickly will I be seen?
- Is my referral urgent or non-urgent?
- Which tests will I need (ultrasound, mammogram, biopsy) and why? Ask about Triple Assessment.
- Can you explain why you’ve decided not to refer me to a breast specialist?
- How can you be sure I don’t have breast cancer?
- What is the type and extent of the breast cancer?
- What’s my prognosis?
- What are my treatment options and how soon can they start?
- Should I continue taking HRT or the oral contraceptive pill?
- Are there any changes I should make to make to my lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking)?
- Will I be able to carry on working?
- Are my female relatives at a higher than average breast cancer risk?
- Can I have tests to find out if the cancer has spread to other parts of my body?
- Are there any clinical trials that I might be able to participate in?
- What services does this hospital provide to help me through this?
- Who can I telephone later if I’m worried about diagnosis and treatment?
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