HOW TO CHECK YOUR BREAST

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTION

Breast checking isn’t about finding problems.

It’s about getting to know what is normal for you, so you can spot changes early and act with confidence

Step 1 : Look

  • Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides,

  • then raised above your head.

  • Look for changes in size, shape or symmetry

  • Check the skin for dimpling, redness or puckering

Notice any change in the nipples, such as inversion or discharge

A woman looking at herself in the mirror, with the left image showing her with her arms down and the right image showing her with her arms raised behind her head.

Step 2 : Feel While Standing or Showering

  • Using the flat pads of your fingers, gently feel your breasts

    in a circular motion.

  • Move from the outside towards the nipple

  • Use light, medium and deeper pressure

Check the whole breast area, including the armpits

Illustration of a woman performing a breast self-exam, using circular motions with her hand on her breast, with a caption saying '2. Feel Standing' and 'Use circular motions'.

Step 3: Feel While Lying Down

  • Lie on your back with one arm behind your head.

  • This spreads the breast tissue evenly

  • Repeat the same circular movements

Check one breast at a time

An illustration of a woman lying down on her back, with one hand on her chest and her eyes closed, practicing self-examination as part of a health or wellness guide, with the text '3. Feel Lying Down' and 'Check one side at a time'.

Step 4 : Know What to Notice

Get to know what’s normal for you, including natural lumpiness.

See a GP if you notice:

  • A new lump or thickening

  • Persistent pain in one area

  • Skin or nipple changes

  • Swelling or changes that don’t go away

Illustration of three different breast changes: lumps, pain, and changes, with labels highlighting these symptoms.

Step 5 : Trust Yourself

You don’t need special training. Just a few minutes regularly to become familiar with your own body.

If something feels different and doesn’t settle, get it checked.

You are never wasting anyone’s time.

Illustration of a woman with her hand over her heart, smiling softly with eyes closed, wearing a pink shirt, with a pink heart nearby. Text at the top reads "5. Trust Yourself" and at the bottom says "See your doctor if worried."

Important note

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts, and no set schedule. Awareness comes from familiarity, not from doing this perfectly.