Checking for breast cancer
1 in 7 women in the UK will get breast cancer in their lifetime. But when it’s found early, treatment is much more likely to be successful. So check your breasts. It could save your life.
How to check your breasts
Checking your breasts or chest only takes a few minutes. There's no special technique. And you don’t need any training.
It's as simple as TLC: Touch Look Check
Touch your whole breast area, including up to your collarbone and armpits. Feel for any lumps or swelling, puckered skin or anything else new or unusual.
Look for any changes, like a rash, dimpled skin, a change in colour, nipple changes, unusual liquid from the nipple, or a change in the size or shape of the breast.
Check anything you notice with a GP. Most breast changes are not cancer. But the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.
Your breasts can change for lots of reasons – like the menopause, pregnancy and breastfeeding, puberty or even during your period. So, get into the habit of checking yourself regularly. It’ll help make it easier to spot any new or unusual changes.
Free breast checking guide
Download our free Touch Look Check poster for an easy guide to recognising possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Save it, print it, or share it with friends and family, so everyone can feel more confident checking their breasts.
Anyone can get breast cancer
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Breast cancer in younger women
2,300 women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. So, it’s important for younger women to check regularly.
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Support for men
Although it’s rare, 370 men are diagnosed each year in the UK. So, it’s important for men to check their chests too.
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Breast cancer in ethnic communities
Breast cancer is less common in women from ethnic communities in the UK. But they are less likely to survive if they do develop it.
I didn't even find a lump, instead a small, cellulite-like dimple. At the time I thought it may just be ageing skin but something niggled at me to get it checked and I remembered from a poster that puckering of skin can be a sign of breast cancer.
Check your breasts
It's as simple as TLC.
FAQs
What should I look and feel for?
Look and feel for a change to your breast or chest that's new or unusual for you.
Some common symptoms of breast cancer are:
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look darker, red or inflamed
A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
Rash or crusting around the nipple
Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
Changes in size or shape of the breast
Where and when should I check?
In bed. In the shower. Getting dressed. Wherever and whenever you get a few minutes to yourself, check your breasts or chest.
How often should I check?
The most important thing is that you get into the habit of checking regularly. This can make any changes easier to spot.
What should I do if I notice something unusual?
If you feel or see something new or unusual, make an appointment with your GP.
I've made an appointment with my GP. What happens next?
Your appointment may be over the phone or in person. If your appointment is in person, your GP will examine your breasts.
After speaking to you on the phone, or examining your breasts, your GP may:
Decide there’s no need for further investigation
Ask to see you again after a short time
Refer you to a breast clinic
Being referred to a breast clinic doesn’t mean you have breast cancer, just that further assessment is needed to find out what is going on.
Learn the signs and symptoms
Get familiar with the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.