Breast health information

How to Check Your Breasts: A Self-Exam Guide

Learn how to check your breasts and chest, recognise changes in skin or nipples, and know when to contact your GP. A clear guide to breast awareness.

Quick answer

Regular breast self-examination helps you become familiar with your normal so you can spot changes early. There is no single right way — the goal is consistency.

Your next step: see a GP (or your doctor, if you live outside the UK) about any new breast or chest change. These guides explain general information; your care team can advise on your own situation.

🌸 NHS Method Interactive Walkthrough

Touch – Look – Check (TLC) Visual Guide

The NHS recommends checking your breasts regularly so you know what is normal for you. Click each step below to learn how to check.

Step T · Feel your breasts & armpits

Using the flat of your fingers, gently feel your entire breast area, up to your collarbone and under your armpits. Feel for any new lump, unusual thickening, or area that feels noticeably different from the rest.

✓ Do this lying down, standing in front of a mirror, or in the shower with soapy hands.
✓ Remember that healthy breast tissue often feels naturally bumpy. Look out for changes from what is normal for you.

Checklist: What to tell your GP about

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At a glance

Most breast changes are not cancer — but all should be checked by a GP
There is no single "right" technique — the key is familiarity with your normal
Premenopausal women should check at the same point in their cycle for consistency
Self-examination between NHS screening appointments is strongly recommended

Why self-examination matters

NHS screening only takes place every three years. Breast cancer can develop between appointments. Regular self-examination means you are more likely to notice a change early, when treatment is most effective.

The TLC method

  • TOUCH: Using the flat of your fingers, gently feel your entire breast, armpit and collarbone area. Feel for any new lump, thickening or area that feels different from the rest. You can do this lying down, standing, or in the shower.
  • LOOK: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides, then raised above your head. Look for any change in size, shape or contour; any skin changes (dimpling, puckering, redness, "orange peel" texture); any nipple changes (inversion, discharge, rash).
  • CHECK: If you notice anything new or unusual, see your GP promptly — do not wait. Most changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can confirm this.

How often should you check?

There is no evidence that a strict monthly routine is necessary. The NHS recommends simply being "breast aware" — incorporating regular checking into your normal routine, for example in the shower or when getting dressed. Premenopausal women may find it easiest to check at the same point in their menstrual cycle each time, when breasts are least tender (usually a week after a period).

What is normal?

Most women's breasts are not identical. Some degree of lumpiness is normal, particularly in the week before a period. What you are looking for is anything NEW or CHANGED from what is normal for you. If in doubt, see your GP.

Changes can look different on different skin tones. Contact a GP, or your doctor if you live outside the UK, about any change that is new or unusual for you. Most changes are not cancer.

  • Illustration of a breast with a small lump circled in the upper outer area
    A lump or thickeningA new lump or thickened area in the breast, chest or armpit, even if it is painless.
  • Illustration of two breasts where one has changed shape, with the change outlined
    A change in size or shapeOne breast or side of the chest looks or feels different in size, outline or shape.
  • Illustration of breast skin with an area of dimpling like orange peel, circled
    Dimpling or puckeringSkin that dimples, puckers or looks like orange peel.
  • Illustration of a patch of discoloured skin on a breast, circled
    Redness or a colour changeNew redness, darkening or discolouration. On darker skin this may look purple or darker rather than red.
  • Illustration of a nipple that has turned inwards, circled
    A nipple turning inwardsA nipple that has recently become pulled in or changed position.
  • Illustration of a drop of fluid coming from a nipple
    Nipple dischargeFluid from the nipple when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, especially if it contains blood.
  • Illustration of a rash and crusting around a nipple, circled
    A rash or crustingA rash, crusting or scaly skin on or around the nipple.
  • Illustration of the upper chest with swellings circled in the armpit and above the collarbone
    Swelling in the armpit or near the collarboneA lump or swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.

Illustrations are simplified drawings, not medical images. Based on the NHS list of breast cancer symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check my breasts for cancer?
Use the TLC method: Touch — using the flat of your fingers, feel your entire breast, armpit and collarbone area for any new lump or thickening. Look — in the mirror, check for any change in size, shape, skin dimpling, puckering or nipple changes. Check — see your GP promptly if you notice anything new or unusual. There is no single right technique; the goal is familiarity with your normal.
How often should I check my breasts?
There is no evidence that a strict monthly routine is necessary. The NHS recommends simply being "breast aware" — incorporating regular checks into your normal routine, for example in the shower or when getting dressed. Premenopausal women may find it easiest to check at the same point in their cycle, about a week after their period ends, when breasts are least tender.
What does a normal breast feel like?
Most women's breasts have some natural lumpiness, especially in the week before a period, and the two breasts are rarely identical. What matters is what is normal for YOU. You are looking for anything NEW or CHANGED — a new lump, a skin change, a nipple change. If something seems different from your usual, see your GP rather than waiting.

Sources and further reading

This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our editorial policy.

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