How to check your breasts or chest

Anyone can get breast cancer. It’s important to check your breasts or chest regularly to learn what looks and feels normal for you. You should try to check your breasts or chest around once a month.

What to look for when checking your breasts or chest

• a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the skin of your breast, (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• nipple discharge (if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding),
• it’s common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
• a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it
• sores or ulcers on your chest

Some of these symptoms, including breast lumps, are very common and can be caused by other conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it's important to see a GP.

To check your breasts or chest:

• Look at your breasts or chest in a mirror to look for any changes.
• Feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit.
• Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts.
• Feel around and over each nipple.

Please note, your breasts may naturally look and feel different:

• at different points in your menstrual cycle, if you have periods
• while you're pregnant or breastfeeding
• after menopause

https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/