BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION

Breasts, boobs, chest – no matter what you call them, they’ve been through it all with us.

From sweaty gym sessions to hurried stair climbs, we’ve relied on our breasts more than we might realise. But while we focus on supporting them with the right bras, many of us aren’t as sure when it comes to checking them for signs of something more serious.

Although it can seem intimidating, understanding how to properly check your breasts is essential for your health.

Breast cancer is a reality for many, with 56,000 new cases reported annually in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. It affects people of all genders and ages, making regular self-exams incredibly important.

Catching breast cancer early greatly improves survival rates, and self-checks play a crucial role in early detection. In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re breaking down how to perform a self-examination, what symptoms to be aware of, and when to seek medical advice.

WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?

A lump is often the first thing that people associate with breast cancer, but there are other changes you should monitor as well. Some common signs to watch for include:

• A noticeable change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• Any swelling or lumpiness in your armpit area
• Puckering or dimpling of the skin on your breasts
• A rash around the nipple area
• Any changes in your nipples, such as inversion or a shift in direction
• Nipple discharge

If you spot any of these changes, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly for further evaluation.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHECK?

Experts recommend doing a self-examination  once a month. To make it easier to remember, try to pick a regular day, such as the first of the month, to do your check.

If you have a menstrual cycle, aim to perform the self-examination a few days after your period ends when hormone levels are more stable, and your breasts are less tender.

Familiarising yourself with how your breasts typically look and feel will help you quickly identify any changes that might need medical attention.

HOW TO PERFORM A SELF-EXAMINATION

1. GET COMFORTABLE
   It's normal to feel anxious, but the key is to stay relaxed. You can check your breasts while lying down, standing up, or even in the shower—whichever works best for you. For a thorough exam, check both while standing and lying down. Set a phone reminder to stay consistent with monthly exams.
2. OBSERVE YOUR BREASTS
   Start by inspecting your breasts in the mirror. Check the entire area from your chest to your collarbone and armpits, looking for skin changes, swelling, or lumps. Do this with both arms raised and lowered.
3. FEEL FOR CHANGES
   Use your fingertips or palm to apply light-to-medium pressure, feeling for any unusual lumps or thickening. You can do this in the shower or wherever feels comfortable. Pay attention to any changes in size, texture, or shape.
   

WHAT TO DO IF YOU NOTICE SOMETHING UNUSUAL

It’s important to stay calm if you find something that doesn’t feel quite right. Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to check with your GP if you notice any changes.

Checking your breasts regularly is one of the most efficient ways to detect breast cancer early on and it’s early detection that can help save lives. Don’t forget to make self-exams a regular part of your routine – it’s a simple habit that could make a big difference!

For more information on breast health and resources, you can reach out to organisations like CoppaFeel!, Breast Cancer Now, or https://www.breastcancer.org