Monthly Breast Check: Your Simple, Life-Saving Habit

Every year, around 55,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer — but the good news is that early detection saves lives.

That’s why it’s so important to know what’s normal for you and to check your breasts regularly.

This guide brings together trusted advice from the NHS, Breast Cancer Now and Against Breast Cancer - with links to useful resources you can share with the women who are close to you that you care about.

Why Checking Matters …

When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful.
Most breast changes aren’t cancer, but noticing something new and getting it checked promptly gives you the best chance of catching anything serious early.

Regular self-checks also help you build confidence and awareness of your own body - so you can recognise what’s normal for you.

“Touch, Look, Check” — that’s the simple mantra promoted by Breast Cancer Now.
Know your normal. Notice changes. Get checked.

What to Look For …

Here are some common signs and symptoms to look and feel for.
If you notice any of these, see your GP - even if you’ve recently had a clear mammogram.

• A new lump or thickened area in the breast, upper chest, or armpit
• A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
• Skin changes, such as puckering, dimpling, redness or a texture like orange peel
• Changes to your nipple – it might become inverted, sore, crusted or change position
• Discharge from either nipple (especially if it’s bloody or clear and you’re not breastfeeding)
• A rash or crusting on or around the nipple
• Pain in one part of the breast or armpit that doesn’t go away

👉 More information: NHS – Symptoms of breast cancer in women

How to Check Your Breasts

You don’t need to follow a strict routine - just check regularly and in a way that feels natural for you.
Here’s an easy step-by-step method inspired by NHS and Breast Cancer Now guidance:

1. Try looking in the mirror
   Stand undressed from the waist up, first with your arms at your sides, then raised above your head.
   Check for any changes in shape, symmetry, skin texture, or nipple appearance.
2. Try feeling while standing or in the shower
   Using the flat part of your fingers, move around your breast and armpit area in a circular or up-down motion.
   Apply light, medium, and firm pressure to feel both the surface and deeper tissue.
3. Try feeling while lying down
   Place a pillow under one shoulder and your arm behind your head.
   Use your opposite hand to feel your entire breast area, including the armpit and up to the collarbone.
4. Check regularly whichever way feels best for you
   If you have periods, it’s best to check a few days after your period ends.
   If not, pick the same day each month to make it a habit.

The key is consistency - not perfection. The more familiar you are with your breasts, the more likely you are to spot something new.

Watch the NHS video guide:
🎥 How to check your breasts or chest – NHS video

What To Do If You Notice a Change

If you find something unusual:

• Don’t panic — most changes are not cancer.
• Don’t ignore it — book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.

Your GP may refer you to a specialist breast clinic for further tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, your GP can also discuss genetic testing or earlier screening options.

More information:

• NHS – Getting breast changes checked
• Breast Cancer Now – Breast clinic visits explained

Common Myths and Misconceptions

❌ “I don’t need to check because I have small breasts.”
✅ Breast size doesn’t affect your risk. Everyone has breast tissue, including men and trans women.

❌ “I’m too young to get breast cancer.”
✅ It’s less common under 40, but it can happen at any age. CoppaFeel! encourages monthly checks for younger women.

❌ “If it doesn’t hurt, it’s fine.”
✅ Pain isn’t always present - many early cancers are painless.

Useful Resources

Here are some reliable UK-based resources to learn more and share:

• 🩺 NHS – How to check your breasts or chest
• 💗 Breast Cancer Now – Touch, Look, Check
• 🎗️ Against Breast Cancer – Breast awareness advice
• 📘 Breast Cancer Now – Know Your Breasts PDF
• 📱 CoppaFeel! – How to check

A Simple Act That Could Save a Life 💕

Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes, but it could make a lifetime of difference.
Why not set a monthly reminder and share this guide with your friends, sisters, daughters and colleagues?

💬 “Take five minutes today to check your breasts and remind someone you love to do the same.”

💕 Note from the Author:

If you ever feel unsure about any changes in your body, please don’t ignore them — even if it feels daunting. Making an appointment with your GP can sometimes be a brave and difficult step, but it's one that could make all the difference.

If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed, talk to someone you trust. A friend, a sister, someone who can support you and help you feel less alone.

I say this with a heavy heart — my dear sister waited too long before finally being persuaded to see a doctor. By then, it was too late. We lost her to secondary breast cancer while she was still in her 50s.

Please, don’t wait. You know your body best, and you deserve care, answers, and peace of mind.