Breast health guide
You can be the first to notice
A short, practical guide to checking your breasts, knowing when to see a doctor, and NHS breast screening.
Since 2004, the World Health Organization has marked October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide; in the UK, about 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime.
Breast cancer found early is far more likely to be treated successfully. Knowing what is normal for you, and going to screening when invited, are the strongest protection you have.
01Checking your breasts
Check every month from the age of 20. If you have periods, the week after your period ends is best; otherwise pick the same day each month. Look in a mirror, then feel.
One way to check
- 1
Arms by your sides
Stand in front of a mirror. Look at the size and shape of your breasts and whether both sides look the same.
- 2
Arms raised
Lift your arms above your head and look for the same changes again.
- 3
Hands on hips
Press your hands on your hips to tighten your chest muscles. Look for puckering or a change in shape.
- 4
Feel, standing
Put one arm behind your head. With the flat of three fingers of your other hand, move in small circles over the whole breast with light, medium and firm pressure, up into the armpit. Then do the other side.
- 5
Feel, lying down
Lie on your back with a small pillow under the shoulder on the side you are checking, and repeat.
- 6
Nipple
Gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge.
What to look for
- A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Puckering, redness, swelling or a sore on the skin
- A nipple that has turned inwards, a crusty sore or any discharge
- A new difference in size or shape between the breasts
If you notice a change
See your GP without waiting. Most breast changes are not cancer, but every change should be checked.
02Clinical breast examination
In the UK, routine clinical breast examinations are not part of NHS care. If you notice a change, book an appointment with your GP.
03NHS breast screening
Who is invited
- Women aged 50 up to their 71st birthday are invited every 3 years; the first invitation usually arrives between 50 and 53.
- After 71 you can still ask for screening every 3 years.
- You need to be registered with a GP to receive an invitation.
If breast cancer runs in your family or you carry a BRCA gene change, screening may start earlier. Talk to your GP.
04Risk factors
Factors you cannot change
- Sex
- About 99% of breast cancers occur in women and 1% in men.
- Age
- Risk rises from the age of 50.
- Family history
- A mother, sister or daughter who has had breast cancer.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Inherited gene changes raise the risk markedly.
- Early first period, late menopause
- Starting periods young or reaching menopause late.
Factors you can influence
↓ Lower the risk
- A Mediterranean-style diet
- Breastfeeding
- A first pregnancy before the age of 30
↑ Raise the risk
- An inactive lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese