Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
If you know how your breasts usually look and feel, it will be easier to spot anything unusual. It’s important to look out for any changes and get these checked by your GP.

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer display differently in males and females. This page refers to the female anatomy, but we also have information on how breast cancer appears in men and transgender chest awareness.
How to check for breast cancer
You may find it easier to check your breasts in the shower or bath, but there is no right or wrong way to check! Professor Cliona Kirwan, Consultant Breast Surgeon and Prevent Breast Cancer expert, has demonstrated how to check your breasts and why it’s important. For a visual step-by-step summary, discover the motions to use.
What are the Signs of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer can have several signs and symptoms, but for many women it will appear as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue. This may be found in the breast itself, upper chest or armpit. Looking at yourself in the mirror may help to check whether you can see any of the following signs and symptoms.
If you notice a change in your breasts
If you find a lump or notice any other changes to your breasts, it’s important to get checked by your GP as soon as possible. Book an appointment with your doctor, who may refer you to a breast clinic where you will be seen within two weeks.
Many signs and symptoms of breast cancer, including breast lumps, are non-cancerous and caused by normal breast changes. But it remains vital that you pay attention to your body and seek help if you notice anything that is abnormal for you.
Frequently asked questions
When to check your breasts
We advise you check your breasts regularly, once a month. Breasts change at different times of the month, the ideal time to check is just after your period. If you don’t menstruate, checking once a month at any time is fine. Setting a calendar reminder can be useful to help incorporate it into your routine. We suggest the 1st of the month – feel them on the first!
Please note, if you’re viewing on your desktop and click the below button, a calendar invite file called ‘checkyourboobs’ will appear in your downloads folder. You just need to open it in your preferred calendar application, and set a monthly reminder.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
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on January 10, 2023.
on January 1, 2023.