Get familiar with your breasts, what they look like, how they feel and note any changes in skin texture. Is there any dimpling or puckering? Swelling around the armpits, collarbones or any unusual discharge from the nipples?
Start at the armpit. Use your hand in circular movements to feel for anything unusual on the top layer of the skin then use a firmer pressure to look for anything at a deeper level.
Check around and under the armpit, as this is where many of the lymph nodes sit.
Use the same circular movements to check under the breast.
Around the breast.
On top of the breast.
Over and around the nipple area.
If you have noticed any unusual discharge or fluid from either of your nipples, a change in nipple position, a rash (like eczema), crusting, itchiness or redness on or around your nipples, please speak to your GP.
Check up to your collar bone and repeat the whole process for both breasts.
Lift both arms overhead and look for a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast.
Finally, stand in a mirror and look at both breasts.
Notice any puckering or dimpling, rashes or redness. Any swelling, lumps or bumpy areas in one breast or your armpit.
If you are in discomfort or pain, particularly in one breast, please consult your GP.