Breast cancer awareness

2-minute read

Knowing what your breasts look and feel like, and checking them regularly, can help you detect when something's wrong. Find out what to look out for, including new lumps and changes in shape.

Be breast aware

Detecting breast cancer early can mean that treatment is more effective. Knowing what your breasts normally feel like will help you be aware of any abnormal changes. Not all changes are a sign of breast cancer. Some women have cysts or thickening of the breast tissue, which is normal.

Learn what your breasts look and feel like. Their appearance and feel can change at different times of the menstrual cycle.

The milk-producing tissue in the breast becomes active in the days before a period starts. Some women find that their breasts feel tender and lumpy at this time, especially near the armpits.

After a hysterectomy (removal of the womb), the breasts usually show the same monthly changes until the time when your periods would have stopped naturally.

After the menopause, activity in the milk-producing tissue stops. Normal breasts can feel soft, less firm and not lumpy.

Being breast aware means:

knowing what's normal for you
looking at your breasts and feeling them
knowing what changes to look for
reporting any changes without delay
attending two-yearly breast screening if you're aged 50 or over

Changes in the breast

Be aware of the following changes in your breasts:

changes in the outline or shape of the breast, especially those caused by arm movements or by lifting the breast
changes in the look and feel of the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering, a rash, a scaly appearance, unusual redness or other colour changes
discomfort or pain in one breast that is unusual, particularly if it is new and persistent
any new lumps, thickening or bumpy areas in one breast or armpit, which differs from the same part of the other breast and armpit
nipple discharge that's new for you and not milky
bleeding from the nipple
moist, red areas on the nipple that don't heal easily
any change in nipple position, such as pulled up or pointing differently
a rash on or around the nipple

If you notice any of these changes, see your doctor or specialist as soon as possible.