Like many other cancers early diagnosis for breast cancer is key to giving you the best chance of successful treatment. This is why breast awareness in terms of being able to notice changes in your breast and chest area is important.
Checking your breasts:
- There is no set time or way in which you should check your breasts, it is just important that you develop an awareness of how they normally feel and how this might change with your periods.
- Some people may have lumpier breasts during their period, just keep an eye on this and make sure it comes and goes with your period. If you no longer have periods your breasts tend to feel softer and not as lumpy.
- Most people naturally have one breast bigger than the other and this is normal.
- You are looking for changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts and armpits.
- Some of the changes to look out for are:
-a new lump or thickening in your breast, chest or armpit
-a change in size, shape or feel of your breast or chest
-skin changes in your breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
-fluid leaking from the nipple and you aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
-changes in the position of the nipple
- Book an appointment to see your doctor without delay if you notice any changes that aren’t normal for you.
- If you are unsure how to check your breasts or just want further guidance ask your GP or practice nurse.
- This breast cancer UK leaflet may support you to look for changes in your breast and chest area- https://cdn.breastcanceruk.org.uk/uploads/2025/03/Double-sided-2025-Flyer-A5-breast-check-and-top-tips.pdf?_gl=1*pms3uq*_ga*MTU5ODA3NTY4OS4xNzQ5NTQ2OTU1*_ga_LC27WK2GSN*czE3NDk1NDY5NTIkbzEkZzAkdDE3NDk1NDY5NjAkajYwJGwwJGgxNzU0NjY2Nzgw*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3NDk1NDY5NTUuRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JOThYZm5zTG1qUU1WV3BOUUJoMmhEaEJyRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0sxSl9EX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*OTQ0NTg2OTk5LjE3NDk1NDY5NjA.
GP appointment:
If you notice any changes in your breast or chest area book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They may do some general tests such as heart rate and blood pressure before examining the area and your lymph nodes in your arms and neck. You may then be referred by your doctor to a breast clinic depending on your symptoms.
Breast Clinic:
This is an appointment where further tests will be completed to help with the diagnosis process. Tests may include breast examination, mammogram, ultrasound or biopsy. You may also be called back for more tests like this following a breast screening for further checks.
Breast screening:
A breast screening also called a mammogram is available for women aged between 50 and 70 every 3 years. You should receive a letter notifying you to book a breast screening but if you feel you are due one and haven’t received a letter notify your GP. These screenings can help find breast cancer before you feel changes in your breast and aims to find early stage breast cancers. You should get the results from this in around 2-3 weeks.
You can find further information and support using the following resources:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer
