When actor Lucy Davis, star of The Office, Shaun of the Dead and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, shared that she is living with incurable stage four breast cancer, she included a detail that will likely have resonated with many listening: when she initially noticed a small, hard lump in her breast, she “almost didn’t bother” investigating further. Her Instagram video was frank and courageous, and her message was simple: if something in your body changes, get it checked.
It’s advice worth repeating. Almost half of women in the UK don’t regularly check their boobs for possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer, according to 2025 research carried out by Breast Cancer Now, while 11 per cent say they don’t check at all.
Being breast aware isn’t about mastering a complicated examination or worrying about every lump and bump. It’s about becoming familiar with what is normal for your body, checking them regularly, and knowing which changes might warrant a conversation with your GP.
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And while breast cancer survival rates have improved significantly over recent decades, thanks in part to earlier diagnosis, screening (for those aged between 50 and 70) and advances in treatment, paying attention to your own body remains important at every age.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know, from the potential warning signs to look out for, to exactly how to perform a breast examination on yourself.
What to look for
- A change in size and shape of the breast
- A lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
- A change in skin texture, such as puckering or dimpling
- Any change in colour
- Any redness or swelling, or a rash
- Crusting or changes to the nipple – it could become pulled in or change position
- Unusual discharge from the nipple
- Pain in your breast or armpit that’s there almost all of the time
- A swelling in your armpit or around the collarbone
How to examine your breasts properly
There is no single way that breasts should look or feel, which is why getting to know your own is key. “I prefer to talk about being ‘breast aware’ rather than performing a perfect breast examination,” says Dr Zoe Williams, an NHS GP and media medic. “Get to know what is normal for you – how your breasts and nipples usually look and feel.”
As for the actual check? It should only take a few minutes. Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror, paying attention to any changes in shape, size or appearance, then raise and lower your arms to look from different angles. When feeling your breasts, use the flat pads of your fingers to work your way around the whole breast, applying gentle pressure and making sure you cover the area around the nipple, up towards the collarbone and into the armpit.
“It is important to also check around your nipples for any changes,” Dr Saleem Azeem, a clinical oncologist and trustee at Breast Cancer UK, adds. “Many people find it easiest to do this in the shower or while lying down.”
Above all, both Williams and Azeem emphasise the importance of getting to know what is normal for you, so that you’re more likely to recognise it if and when something has changed. If you do notice anything new or unusual, contact your GP.
How often you should check your breasts
Azeem recommends checking once a month, and making it part of your routine can help you remember. “Setting a monthly reminder on your phone can be a simple way to make breast awareness part of your regular routine,” he says, noting that Breast Cancer UK also offers a free text alert service. If you have periods, the timing can make a difference. “It is best to avoid checking during these times as breasts can sometimes look or feel slightly different,” Azeem notes. “Breast awareness shouldn’t just be something we think about during Breast Cancer Awareness Month or when somebody high-profile receives a diagnosis,” Williams shares. “It needs to be an ongoing conversation.” Older women should also attend their screenings when contacted by the NHS.
How to help minimise your risk of getting breast cancer
Risk factors for breast cancer include being a woman – around 99 per cent of cases occur in women – and getting older, with most breast cancers diagnosed in those over 50. While some risk factors are beyond our control, there are lifestyle changes that may help lower the risk of developing the disease.
“Breast cancer is a complex disease that has many risk factors, some of which we cannot change, but others that we do have some influence over,” explains Azeem. “Whilst sadly not all breast cancers are preventable, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risk.”
Breast Cancer UK estimates that at least one in four breast cancers could be prevented through lifestyle changes. Azeem points to “drinking less alcohol, being active, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals called EDCs” as sensible measures that people can take.