Breast self-examination is the best way to find any changes in the breast. While many changes in the breast are not cancer you should discuss any changes with your cancer team (or GP if you do not have a breast cancer diagnosis) who will decide if further tests are needed.
How should I check my breasts?
There's no right or wrong way to check your breasts. But it's important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to a GP or your cancer team.
Be breast aware
Every woman's breasts are different in terms of size, shape and consistency. It's also possible for one breast to be larger than the other.
Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle. For example, some women have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period. After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy. The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a 5-point plan for being breast aware.
- know what's normal for you
- look at your breasts and feel them
See a GP or your cancer team if you notice any of the following changes:
- a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
- a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)
Always see a GP or your cancer team if you are concerned. Breast changes can happen for many reasons, and most of them are not serious. Lots of women have breast lumps, and most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, if you find changes in your breast that are not normal for you, it's best to see a GP or your cancer team as soon as possible. This is because it's important to rule out breast cancer. If cancer is detected, then appropriate treatment should be planned as quickly as possible.
