Be breast aware

Your guide to examining your breasts for signs of breast cancer

Be Breast Aware

Whatever your age, size or shape it's important to take care of your breasts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so it's important to look after your breasts by being breast aware. 

Being breast aware is an important part of caring for your body. It means getting to know how your breasts look and feel, so you know what is normal for you. You can then feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes.

It is important to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel at different times. You will then notice if something is different or if you develop any of the signs and symptoms listed above.

• You can become familiar by looking and feeling your breasts from time to time in any way that is best for you.

• You can feel your breasts in the bath or shower using a soapy hand or lying down in bed, using body lotion can help. It is important to feel the whole breast including the armpit.

• You can look at your breasts in the mirror. Move your arms (above your head, on your hips, by your sides) so that you can see your breasts from every angle, including the underside.

• As older women are at greater risk of breast cancer it is very important to be aware of any unusual changes after the menopause, when your periods have stopped.

• Breasts may change with age and life events e.g. pregnancy, breastfeeding, at different times of the month if you still have periods and after the menopause. This is why it is important to know what is normal for you so you will recognise any changes.

What to look for:

There can be many reasons for changes in the breast and often they will be harmless. Any unusual change needs to be checked as there is a chance it could be a sign of cancer.

• Size and shape - if one breast changes in size or shape
• A new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit different to the rest of the breast
• Skin changes - puckering, dimpling, inflammation or redness of the skin
• Nipple changes - if a nipple becomes inverted (pulled in) changes in shape or points differently
• Rashes - on or around the nipple
• Discharge or fluid (not milky) from one or both nipples
• Pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit that is not related to your periods
• Swelling – under the armpit or around the collarbone

It's easy to remember this by following the five-point code:

BREAST AWARENESS FIVE-POINT CODE

1. YOU should know what is normal for you

2. KNOW what changes to look for

3. LOOK and feel

4. TELL your GP about any changes straightaway

5. GO for breast screening when invited