- August 8, 2025
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Self-care starts with you: how to check your breasts properly
Did you know that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women? In the UK more than 55,000 women are diagnosed with this condition each year. The good news is that early detection can save lives. literally.
Anyone can get breast cancer — young or older, women and even men (around 1 in 100 cases are male). Knowing your body and forming the habit of regularly checking your breasts are crucial for this reason.
It’s not scary or complicated. On the contrary — it’s a form of self-love.
What to look for during a breast check
You just need to learn to pay attention to the signals your body sends you. Although the most well-known symptom is a lump, there are numerous additional symptoms that may also be significant.
Here’s a full list of changes and symptoms to look out for during your self-checks:
During your self-checks, keep an eye out for the following complete list of symptoms and changes:
- Visual alterations include skin puckering, dimples, or an “orange peel”-like texture.
- Unexpected asymmetry between the breasts, with one becoming more noticeable or changing shape
- puffiness or swelling in a single location
- Changes in the location or shape of the nipple, such as inversion or direction shift
- Clear or blood-tinged breast discharge that doesn’t squeeze
Physical symptoms:
- A firm lump or nodule in the breast or armpit area
- Unusual firmness in one area — even if it’s not a typical “lump”
- Chronic discomfort or agony that doesn’t go away
- Skin texture changes, such as dryness, flaking, or rash-like redness
If you notice even one of these changes — don’t delay contacting your GP. Most cases are not cancer, but every concern is worth checking.
How to check your breasts — your step-by-step guide
Self-checking shouldn’t be an unpleasant or frightening experience. It only takes a few minutes and is part of your monthly self-care routine.
When should you check?
Once a month—a set date, like the first, makes it simpler to remember.
After your period (days 5–10 of your cycle), your breasts are easier to check and less sensitive.
Pick any regular date if you don’t have a cycle.
Step 1: Look
- Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting.
- Look at your breasts when you’re calm.
- Lift your arms and check to see whether their shape changes.
- Lean slightly forward — this helps to reveal swelling or retraction not visible when upright
💡 Look beyond just your breasts — check your armpits and collarbones too.
Step 2: Feel
The tactile portion is now available. It’s simple to accomplish with your fingertips, oil, or lotion, or even in the shower.
- Put one hand behind your head.
- Make little circular motions with the fingertips of your other hand to feel the breast.
- Proceed toward the nipple from the outside border.
Also check:
- The space under the arms
- The upper chest and collarbone
- The areola and nipple
Repeat all the steps lying down — your breast tissue shifts, and you might feel something different.
Tips for easier checks:
- Do it in a calm setting — with your morning coffee or soft music
- Put a reminder in your calendar or on your phone.
- If something impacts you, write it down or snap a picture to document any changes.
What should you do if you discover something?
Breathe first. calmly.
We are aware that learning anything new can be frightening. However, lumps are not cancer in 90% of cases. It may be a cyst, hormonal change, fatty tissue or a harmless lump, so wait and check what this is.
However, it’s still important to pay attention to developments. Nobody knows your body as well as you do. Don’t wait if anything doesn’t feel right on your body.
Next steps:
- Call your GP (family doctor) – tell them what you’ve discovered and ask for a checkup.
- You can be referred to an NHS Breast Clinic for additional testing, such as an ultrasound, mammography or biopsy.
- The doctors know exactly how to support you and offer the care you deserve.
The best thing you can do — is act promptly. Early diagnosis gives the best possible outcome.