How to check for symptoms of breast cancer: a step by step guide

your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual?

Can you feel a lump? Either in the breast, upper chest or armpits.

Is there a lumpy area? Or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn’t go away?

Is there any unusual pain? Either in part of the breast or the armpit?

for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture?

Any change in size or shape? e.g. one breast might become larger or lower than the other.

Any change in skin texture? Such as puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast.

Any change in colour? e.g. the breast may look red or inflamed.

What about the appearance or direction of the nipple? e.g. one might become inverted (turned in) when it normally points out.

Any unusual discharge? One or both nipples might have a discharge.

Any rash or crusting? Of the nipple or surrounding area.

No one knows your body better than you and everyone will have their own way of touching and looking for changes – there’s no special technique and you don’t need any training.

It’s good to get into the habit of doing this regularly – maybe when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning. You might prefer to do it while standing up or lying down. Either way, the important thing is to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel normally, so you notice anything unusual – and remember to check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.

You may normally feel breast tissue changes or pain before or during your periods. This is why it’s important to check your breasts regularly so you get to know how they look and feel at different times of the month, and can notice any changes that are unusual for you.