Performing a monthly breast check

As a breast surgeon, I've performed thousands of breast examinations. Many patients share how uncertain they feel about checking themselves. In this video, I'd like to help you understand how to examine your breasts, what changes to look for, and how to adapt self-checks if you're pregnant, have implants, or have had breast cancer. Try to check your breasts at the same time each month. This helps you spot natural changes through your cycle. The middle of your cycle is usually the quietest time. There are useful apps like CoppaFeel that send monthly reminders to help you remember. Regular, consistent checking is the best way to get to know your breasts. At the breast clinic, I use a five-point plan for breast awareness. Firstly, know what's normal for you. Then - look at and feel your breasts regularly. Three - learn what changes to report. Four: don't worry about wasting time - always speak to a doctor. And five - attend all routine screenings when invited. Early detection really does save lives. For checking your breasts, we teach a simple method: Look, Touch, Check. Start by looking - Stand in front of a mirror, or lie down if your breasts are larger. Lying down can make it easier to feel for lumps, as your ribcage acts as a firm surface. Both methods work well - what's most important is that you feel confident doing it regularly. When looking, keep your arms by your sides - then raise them above your head. Look for changes in shape, size, or skin - such as dimpling, puckering, or colour change. Check your nipples too - are they pulling inward, rough, or showing discharge? Finally, tense your chest with hands on hips to spot any pulling, or tethering beneath the skin. Now, touch. Use the flat of your fingers, not just the tips, and check in a pattern - either circular or up and down. Cover the whole breast and underarm. Start with gentle pressure, then go deeper. Many women feel lumpy areas. That's normal, but if something feels different or persists, get it checked by your GP or nurse. It's okay to revisit a lump after your period. Hormonal changes can make breasts feel lumpy at certain times. If the lump softens or disappears, it may have been part of your cycle. But if it stays or worsens, don't wait - get checked. It's better to ask and be reassured than ignore something that might need treatment. Also - always check your armpits by relaxing your arm by your side and use your opposite hand to feel the armpit area. This is where lymph nodes live. They filter fluid from your breast and arm. These can swell when you're fighting infection or feeling rundown. If a lump feels hard or doesn't go away, ask for medical advice. If you have breast implants, you can still check your breasts in the same way. Use your hand to press breast tissue against the implant, to feel for changes. You may feel the implant edges - but if one breast becomes swollen or painful, or you notice fluid, especially years after surgery, please speak to a breast specialist. Pregnancy causes many natural breast changes, but you should still look for anything unusual—like persistent rash, colour change, or sudden swelling in one breast. After cancer treatment, surgery or radiotherapy can make things harder to feel. Ask your breast team to show you how to examine yourself confidently at your follow-up appointments. Get to know your new normal. Many thanks for watching. Most people referred to a breast clinic are reassured - but speak to a clinician if you notice any of the following: A lump that lasts weeks; Dimpling; A change in breast shape; Nipple changes or rash; Blood stained nipple discharge; or a lump in your armpit. If you're not sure, always get it checked - it's never a waste of time.