Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and regularly checking your breasts gives you the best chance of noticing any early changes. While routine breast screening helps detect changes in people aged 50 and over, self-checking remains important at every age.
There is no single right way to check. The goal is simply to get familiar with what is normal for you so you can spot anything that feels different. Breast cancer can affect anyone, including men, though it is far more common in women. Most breast changes are not cancer, but any new or unusual change should be assessed by a GP promptly.
How to check your breasts at home
Follow our step-by-step guide:
Look
- Stand in front of a mirror with good lighting
- Check your breasts with your arms by your sides, then raised above your head
- Look for any visible changes in size, shape or outline of either breast
- Check your skin surface for dimpling, puckering or redness
- Look at your nipples for any changes in direction, inversion or skin texture
Feel
- Use the flat of your fingers rather than your fingertips, moving in a gentle circular motion with light to medium pressure
- Cover your entire breast area, including up to your collarbone and into your armpit
- Check both breasts. Many people find it easier in the shower with soapy hands, or lying down
- Feel around and over each nipple for any lumps, thickening or unusual changes
When to check
- Aim to check once a month, choosing a time that fits your routine
- If you have periods, check a few days after your period ends when your breasts are less likely to feel tender or lumpy
- After menopause, pick a date each month and check consistently
- The NHS recommends monthly self-checking as part of breast awareness
What does a breast lump feel like?
A breast lump can feel very different from person to person, and most lumps are not cancer. What matters is noticing anything new or unusual and speaking with a GP for assessment.
A lump may feel firm, hard or rubbery, and it can be smooth or irregular in shape. Some lumps move easily under your skin when you press them, while others feel more fixed in place. They can be pea-sized or larger and may be tender or completely painless.
Many breast lumps have benign causes, including cysts (fluid-filled sacs), fibroadenomas (common benign tumours in younger women), lipomas, or normal hormonal breast changes related to the menstrual cycle.
You cannot tell from feel alone whether a lump is cancerous. Any new lump or change should be checked by a GP so you can get reassurance or early care if needed.
What are the signs of breast cancer to look for?
Breast cancer does not always present as a lump, so it’s important to be aware of a range of possible changes. Signs to look for include:
- A new lump or thickening in your breast, chest or armpit
- A change in size, shape or outline of one or both of your breasts
- Skin changes, such as dimpling, puckering or a texture that looks like orange peel
- Redness or a rash on your breast or nipple
- Nipple discharge (not breast milk), which may be blood-stained
- A change in nipple shape, including inversion, pointing in a new direction or crusting
- Persistent pain in your breast or armpit that is new and does not go away
These symptoms are much more commonly caused by benign conditions than cancer. Having one does not mean you have cancer, but any new or unusual change should be checked by a GP so you can get reassurance or early care if needed.
Breast lump: when to worry
The short answer is that any new lump or breast change that is not normal for you should be seen by a GP, even if you think it is probably nothing. You do not need to wait to see whether it goes away. It is always better to get it checked. Many people search online for “breast lump when to worry”, but the safest approach is simply to get any new change assessed.
See a GP promptly if:
- you find a new lump or area of thickening in your breast or armpit
- you notice any of the breast changes listed above (skin, nipple or shape changes)
- you have breast pain that is new, persistent, and not related to your menstrual cycle
Seek urgent advice if:
- you have bloody nipple discharge
- you have a lump that has grown rapidly or changed noticeably in a short period
The vast majority of GP referrals for breast lumps result in a benign diagnosis. Finding something and getting it checked early is always the right thing to do, and most people leave their appointment with reassurance
Checking your breasts at different life stages
Your breasts naturally change throughout your life, and knowing what is normal for you helps you spot anything unusual. These tips can guide you at different stages:
During your period
Breasts may feel lumpier or more tender at certain points in your cycle. It’s best to check a few days after your period, when your breast tissue is less dense and changes are easier to notice.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Breasts change significantly during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Continue checking regularly and report any unusual changes to your midwife or GP.
After menopause
Breast tissue becomes less dense after menopause, which can make changes easier to feel. Self-checking remains important and at 50 years of age you will be invited for routine breast screening.
If you have breast implants
You can check your breasts as normal. Implants do not prevent self-examination. If you notice any changes, speak with your surgeon or GP.
If you are a man
Breast cancer in men is rare but does occur. Check for lumps behind your nipple, changes to your nipple, or skin changes on your chest.
Breast cancer care at Ramsay Health Care
If you’ve noticed a change in your breast and want a prompt assessment, Ramsay Health Care offers fast access to breast care specialists across our UK hospitals. We provide on-site diagnostic imaging, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI, with shorter waiting times than the NHS for private consultations and testing. Many people choose private care for faster access to breast screening and diagnostic reassurance.
You’ll be supported by experienced oncology and breast surgery teams who deliver personalised, compassionate care throughout your diagnostic and treatment pathway. We welcome self-pay patients, offer payment plans, and accept most major private medical insurance.
Book an appointment online or call 0808 223 0500
Explore our services:
- Breast cancer treatments: Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Breast Surgery
- Mammography and breast diagnostics
- Find your nearest Ramsay hospital