Breast Cancer Awareness Month: know the signs and get changes checked

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a chance to learn more about breast cancer and how to spot changes early.

Breast cancer can affect anyone. It is more common in women, but men can also develop breast cancer.

One of the best things you can do is get to know what is normal for your breasts or chest. This makes it easier to notice a new or unusual change

Know what is normal for you

Your breasts can change at different times in your life. This can happen during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding or the menopause.

There is no special way to check your breasts or chest. You do not need any training. The important thing is to get to know what is normal for you.

Touch, Look, Check is Breast Cancer Now’s simple way to help you remember. You can check whenever it suits you – perhaps in the shower, while getting dressed or at another time that works for you.

Find out more about Touch, Look, Check.

See how to check

This short video from Breast Cancer Now shows how to check your breasts or chest and what changes to look out for.

What changes should you look out for?

The video above shows some of the changes you may notice. You can also use this list as a quick reminder.

• a new lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the size or shape of a breast
• skin that looks dimpled or puckered
• a change in the colour of the skin
• a change in the shape or position of a nipple, such as it turning inwards
• a rash or crusting around the nipple
• unusual fluid or discharge from the nipple

Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is always worth getting a new or unusual change checked.

Find out more about breast cancer symptoms.

Breast screening

Breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for breast cancers that are too small to see or feel.

In England, women are invited for routine breast screening from the age of 50 up to their 71st birthday. Your first invitation will usually arrive between the ages of 50 and 53. After that, you will usually be invited every three years.

If you are aged 71 or over, you will not be invited automatically. You can still have breast screening every three years if you choose to. You will need to contact your local breast screening service to arrange this.

Screening can find breast cancer before you notice any symptoms. This can make treatment more successful.

Screening is important, but it does not find every breast cancer. This is why it is also important to know what is normal for you.

If you notice a new or unusual change, do not wait for your next screening appointment. Speak to your GP.

Find out more about NHS breast screening, including who is invited and what happens at your appointment.

What happens if you notice a change?

If you notice something unusual, make an appointment with your GP.

Your GP may ask about the change and examine your breast or chest. They may also ask about your family history.

You may need more tests or a referral to a breast clinic. Being referred to a breast clinic does not mean you have breast cancer. It means that more checks are needed to find out what is causing the change.

Many breast changes have causes that are not cancer. But getting checked means you can find out what is causing the change and get the right advice.

Looking after your breast health

There are some things that can affect your chance of developing breast cancer. These include your age, family history and some lifestyle factors.

You cannot change all of these. But being active, keeping to a healthy weight, not smoking and drinking less alcohol can help lower your risk of some cancers.

The most important thing is to know your own breasts or chest and to get any new or unusual changes checked.

This October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to make breast awareness part of your normal routine.

Touch. Look. Check.

If you are invited for breast screening, please take up the appointment.

And if you notice a new or unusual change, speak to your GP. You do not need to wait for a screening appointment.

Find out more

You can find more information about breast cancer, screening and the signs to look out for from:

• NHS breast screening
• NHS: how to check your breasts or chest
• Breast Cancer Now: Touch, Look, Check
• Breast Cancer Now: signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Wear It Pink

Breast Cancer Now’s Wear It Pink day takes place on Friday 23 October 2026. People across the UK will be wearing pink to raise money for breast cancer research and support. Find out more about Wear It Pink.