Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to highlight the importance
of early detection and to build habits that could save lives. Learning how to check
your breasts regularly helps you recognise what’s normal for you, making it easier to
spot any changes that could indicate a problem.
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## Why Monthly Checks Matter
Checking your breasts about once a month helps you learn what looks and feels
normal for your body. That familiarity means you’re more likely to notice new
changes—such as lumps, skin dimpling, or nipple alterations—earlier, when
treatment is most effective.
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## How to Check Your Breasts
Follow these simple steps from the NHS to perform a self-examination:
1. **Visual Inspection (in front of a mirror)**
- Stand with your arms relaxed at your sides, then raise them overhead.
- Look for changes in breast shape, skin texture (dimpling or puckering), and nipple
position or discharge.
2. **Hands on Hips**
- Press your palms firmly on your hips and flex your chest muscles.
- Check again for any unusual swelling or contour changes.
3. **Lying Down Palpation**
- Lie flat and place a pillow under your right shoulder.
- Use the pads of your three middle fingers on your left hand to gently press all
around your right breast and armpit in small circular motions—covering the entire
area from collarbone to ribcage and from armpit to cleavage.
- Repeat on the other side.
4. **Standing or Sitting Examination**
- Many women find it easiest to perform this step in the shower, when skin is
slippery.
- Repeat the circular palpation pattern on both breasts and armpits.
For a detailed walkthrough, watch the NHS video “How to check your breasts or
chest.” This clear, step-by-step guide shows you exactly what to look for and feel
when checking your breasts at home.
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## Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
- A new lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit
- Any change in size, shape, or symmetry of either breast
- Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin (may look like orange peel)
- Nipple inversion (turning in) or unusual discharge
- Persistent breast or nipple pain
If you spot any of these changes, contact your GP promptly for assessment.
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## NHS Resources
- How to check your breasts or chest (NHS web page):
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/
- How to check your breasts or chest (NHS YouTube video):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcg7jWrlLJ8
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By committing to a simple monthly self-check and using these trusted NHS
resources, you take a powerful step toward early detection. Share this guide with
friends and family—early awareness empowers us all.
