Did you know that less than half of UK women regularly check their breasts? Knowing How to check your breasts for lumps is really important, as regular checking will help you to spot signs of breast cancer as early as possible. Checking your breasts while washing yourself in the shower can help you develop the habit naturally, making you more likely to notice changes, but you don't have to do it this regularly. The NHS advises to check your breasts thoroughly around once a month.
You should continue this habit throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding too, although the natural changes in your breasts around this time can make things more confusing. So we've found out from expert, Dr Bana Haddad, medical advisor at Breast Cancer UK how to check for a lump in the breast, what other changes to look out for and when to be concerned.
Natural changes in your breasts during pregnancy
During pregnancy your breasts will undergo many changes that are normal and natural, and usually nothing to worry about, but this makes it confusing to know how to check for breast cancer. Aside from getting bigger, of course, they can begin to feel more lumpy than usual, which you might find alarming if you're looking for lumps! The skin around your areola may darken as well, and you may have more obvious sweat glands. Your breasts may feel more tender than usual too as your pregnancy progresses, and this is perfectly normal.
Despite these changes, it’s still important that you’re regularly checking your breasts. “Being aware of your breasts is important at all stages of life and regular self-examination should carry on while breastfeeding,” says Dr Bana Haddad.
There’s no definitive ‘right or wrong way’ to check your breasts, but getting to know how your boobs look and feel personally is an important step to detecting any signs of breast cancer early and getting treatment.
Keep on reading for Dr Haddad’s step-by-step guide on how to do this.
How do you check your breast for lumps at home?
Dr Haddad says it’s important to check your breasts every month so you can get used to how they feel.
“Check your breasts at the same time every month using your index and middle fingers and walk around the whole breast in a spiral motion including under your armpit and then repeat on the other side,” says Dr Haddad.
Also take time to look at your breasts with your arms down and with them raised.
The NHS advises using a mirror when checking your breasts for lumps, and says, "Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts."
What to look for when checking your breasts
Now you have an idea of how to check boobs for lumps, Dr. Haddad summarises what to look for: “Check for changes you can see in your breast such as swelling, inflammation, dimpling or any rashes. Then, check for changes in your nipple such as a sunken nipple, a crusty nipple, or any discharge from the nipple.”
The NHS goes into more detail, and we've picked out important focus points below...
Symptoms to look for when checking your breasts:
• Look for any lump or swelling - in your breast, chest or armpit
• Notice any changes in the skin of your breast - like dimpling that looks like orange peel
• Take note of redness - this may be harder to see on darker skin shades
• Look for changes in the way your breasts look - like the size or shape of one or both breasts
• Don't forget that it's common for each breast to be different sizes - this is natural
• Look out for nipple discharge that may have blood in it - unless you're pregnany or breastfeeding
• Notice changes in how your nipples normally look - are they suddenly turning inwards or have a rash?
• Pay attention to any sores or ulcers on your chest
• Be aware of any pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away
If you notice any of these symptoms you should see your GP or health provider.
How to check your breasts for lumps when breastfeeding
Dr Haddad says that regular self-examination of your breasts should continue while breastfeeding, but the way you do this is a little different due to milk leakage.
“It is better to check your breasts post-feeding by lying down on your back, say on a towel to catch any milk leakage. To check the breast, start with one hand behind your head, use the fingers of the other hand to walk around the entire breast in an overlapping circular motion, including the armpit to the middle of the chest, from the collarbone to the lower ribs."
Don't be alarmed if you do find a lump when examining your breasts while breastfeeding. Dr Haddad says, “It is very common to feel a lump during breastfeeding. Engorgement can be resolved by regular feeding or pumping and sometimes blocked ducts might be the cause of painful lumps. If you have any concerns about a palpated lump, please get in touch with your primary care clinician for further advice.”
Dr Haddad states that 9 out of 10 lumps are completely harmless, so how do you tell if you have breast cancer? If you have any symptoms worrying you, you should not wait for your breast screening letter, or after you’ve given birth to get in touch with your GP.
“Any small changes, any breast lumps, any pain, anything that makes women worry about their breasts or men. We examine you, make a decision together and take appropriate action from there” says Dr. Haddad.
FAQ: Breast Cancer during pregnancy
Am I at a higher risk of breast cancer if I'm pregnant?
The good news is that your risk of cancer doesn't increase due to you being pregnant.
If I have or have had breast cancer will I still be able to have children?
Yes, you'll still be able to have children, just not straight away. Most studies have found that pregnancy after treatment for breast cancer does not increase the risk of cancer coming back either. Doctors tend to advice waiting two years after treatment before trying for another baby, as it's important to avoid getting pregnant if you're having treatment for breast cancer. Also, breast cancer is most likely to return within the first two years after diagnosis, and this would make it difficult for you to receive treatment if you are pregnant during this time, or if you have a young baby who is breastfeeding.
Can you breastfeed with cancer?
Determining the risks to your baby if you have cancer and want to know if you can still breastfeed will depend on the type of treatment you're having.
Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Yes, breastfeeding does indeed reduce your lifetime risk of breast cancer. And the bonus is that the longer you breastfeed for, the more you lower your risk.
Can you see the lump for breast cancer?
As harmless lumps are common when you're breastfeeding, you might be wondering - what does a lump in your breast feel like then? Mayo clinic says; "A breast lump that's painless, hard, has irregular edges and is different from the breast tissue around it might be breast cancer. The skin covering the lump may thicken, change color or look red."
What does a breast lump feel like?
In some cases you may not be able to see the actual lump as it may be too deep. Dr. Comander says, "A tumor may feel more like a rock than a grape. A cancerous lump is usually hard, not soft or squishy. And it often has angular, irregular, asymmetrical edges, as opposed to being smooth."
Where to get more support
If you have been affected by cancer or are worried about symptoms, there are many helpful charities and resources that can offer help and support throughout your journey.
Breast Cancer Now - With the impact of COVID, Breast Cancer Now are doing a lot to help out women affected by breast cancer during the pandemic.
Cancer Research UK - Have you been impacted by a different kind of cancer? Visit Cancer Research UK for further help.
CoppaFeel - This charity can provide you with more help when it comes to checking your breasts.
Against Breast Cancer - They're on a mission to find a vaccine against breast cancer.
Pink Ribbon Foundation - Find plenty of helpful information and support for those with breast cancer.
About the experts
Dr Bana Haddad is a GP in Kent and Clinical Lead for Personalised Care at Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance. It was her own personal experience of breast cancer that led her to support Breast Cancer UK and help spread the prevention message.
Proud aunt to her teen niece, Zara Mohammed is a Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. She has 10 years freelance writing experience creating lifestyle content for various platforms, including pregnancy, women’s health, parenting, child development and child mental health, plus lots of fun seasonal family articles and celebrity news.