October is here, and with it comes the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This poses the perfect opportunity to speak about the importance of regular breast checks and being proactive about our health!
At-home breast checks are a powerful act of self-care. Open conversation about them generates shared dialogue, support and knowledge on the topic. Checking yourself regularly can aid in early detection of anything worrying, as well as ensuring you’re in touch with your body and well-being.
Why is it essential to check your boobs regularly?
Getting familiar with your boobs – how they usually look and feel – is crucial to understanding your body’s norm. By doing regular breast checks at home, you’ll start to recognise what’s normal for you, making it easier to spot changes (even subtle ones). Unsurprisingly, everyone’s breasts are totally unique, and the more you know your own, the better equipped you are to notice any changes!
If something isn’t right with your breasts, it’s best to find the problem as early as possible. While many lumps are totally benign, catching anything more serious early on hugely aids the success of treatments for all types of cancer. So, while you’re checking your boobs, keep an eye on freckles, and look out for any other lumps, bumps, or skin changes that seem out of place or feel unfamiliar.
The thought of finding something wrong with your boobs can be scary; but using your knowledge and taking control of your own health is hugely empowering. Overcoming the fear of self-checking is the ultimate celebration of femininity, and here’s our guide on how to join the millions of women doing the same…
How to do a breast check at home
At-home breast checks involve four basic steps that are easy to follow and shouldn’t take more than ten minutes. We’ll explain each step in this article, and we recommend saving it to your favourites to refer back to each month when it’s time for your check-up. This way, everything stays fresh in your mind, and you can make sure you’re not missing any steps until you’ve got the hang of it.
Before you start, open the Notes app on your phone or grab a notepad to jot down any observations. Refer back to your notes each time you check your breasts, so you can track any changes or patterns over time.
Step 1: Reflection check
First things first, you’ll need to find a mirror – ideally one that’s full length so you can get a good view of everything. A hanging mirror low enough for you to see your boobs also works perfectly for this step.
Stand facing the mirror, with your shoulders straight (stop hunching ladies!) and your arms on your hips. Make sure you’re close enough to the mirror to see the textures and colours of your breasts. Look at the shape, size and how they fall. Is one lower than the other, or one nipple a bit harder? Some variations might be normal for you, so keep an eye out for anything that seems different to before.
What to look for: Dimples, puckering, or any changes in size or shape.
Step 2: Raise your arms
For the next part of your breast check, stay standing and raise both arms above your head. Repeat the same basic visual check (in the mirror) as you did previously, this time paying attention to how your boobs move when your arms are lifted. This can help to reveal any features or changes that might not have been obvious when you were standing still.
It’s helpful but not totally essential at this stage to also have a quick feel of your boobs, one-by-one, while each arm is lifted. Look for any unexpected lumps or bumps, or changes in sensitivity. But don’t worry too much about this for now, as we’ll come back to feeling your boobs in the next steps!
What to look for: Changes in contour, swelling, sensitivity, or differences in skin texture.
Step 3: While lying down
For this part of the check, lie on your back on a bed or a cushioned surface and place one arm behind your head. With the opposite hand, gently feel each boob using small, circular motions. Begin with light pressure, so you can feel the surface tissue, then gradually start to press a bit harder to check the breast tissue closer to your chest.
Your check should cover your entire breast, so try to move methodically from one section to another before switching hands.
What to look for: Unusual lumps, thickened areas, or changes in texture or sensitivity.
Step 4: While standing or sitting
For the final step in your at-home boob check up, use the same small, circular motions as you did previously while standing or sitting in a comfortable spot. Put one hand on your head and use the other to feel the opposite boob. Use different pressure levels like you did while lying down, and feel your way methodically across your breasts to make sure you’ve covered every spot.
What to look for: Unusual lumps, thickening, or general changes in how your boobs feel.
When to check your boobs and what to do if you find something
It’s usually recommended that you do an at-home breast check at least once a month, every month. The best time to do it is a few days after your period ends – it’s when your boobs are least likely to be tender or swollen, making it easier to notice any changes or irregularities. If you don’t get periods, or this doesn’t fit your schedule, you can just choose any day of the month that’s easy to remember.
The most important thing is to keep the routine consistent, so set a reminder if needed! Regularity is important to draw comparison between checks. In-between your personal check ups, keep an eye out for anything else that seems irregular – this could be skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or just something that doesn’t feel right.
If you do find something that feels different or “off”, don’t panic. Not all changes mean something serious, and not all lumps are cancerous – in many women these can be related to hormonal shifts or other benign conditions. Always make an appointment with your doctor if you notice anything unusual; ultimately, it’s better to be safe and get things checked, even if it turns out to be nothing. Just remember, taking control of your health is something to embrace and be proud of!
Wear It Pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness
Now you’re fully equipped to carry out your monthly breast checks, but your celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month doesn't have to stop there. For the month of October, Scarlett Gasque will be raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), and we would love your support in raising money for this important cause.
For every pink item purchased from our website during the month of October, we’ll donate 10% of the proceeds to the BCRF. We have plenty of gorgeous pink options to choose from – in fact, pink is kind of our thing! So, shop all things pink at Scarlett Gasque and find your perfect fit. We can’t wait to see how much of a difference the Gasque Girls can make!
Make your breast health a priority
Regular at-home breast checks should be a key part of your self-care routine, and one of the ways you regularly show yourself love and stay connected to your body. For more information or support, visit Breast Cancer Now and Wear It Pink, and join the millions of women supporting the cause.