Check your breasts
Check your breasts
Early detection is key in breast cancer. Get familiar with your breasts so you can notice any changes. Here is how to examine your breasts in three easy steps.
1. Look in the mirror
Raise your arms and take a moment to notice your breasts. Look for any changes in shape, skin, colour or nipples.
2. Feel your breasts
Place one hand behind your head. With straight fingers and light pressure, feel through each breast and armpit. Start from the nipple and work your way around the whole breast using small circular movements.
3. Lie down and feel again
Place one hand under your head and feel through the breast and armpit. Notice how your breasts feel, and check for any lumps, hard areas or changes in size or firmness.
Good to know
Breasts naturally vary in shape and size, and they can also change throughout your monthly cycle. Pain or tenderness is often related to hormones and is usually not a sign of cancer. Most lumps aren’t cancerous either – they can be swollen breast glands or changes in normal breast tissue.
Still, it’s important to pay attention to any changes. If you notice something new or unusual, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
The 2:2 habit
Two minutes, on the second of each month. Checking your breasts regularly matters.