Breast cancer awareness: changes, screening and action

Become familiar with what is usual for your breasts rather than following a rigid examination technique. Awareness does not prevent breast cancer, and it does not replace mammography or clinical assessment when these are recommended.

Breast cancer may present as a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, a change in size or shape, skin dimpling, persistent redness, a nipple turning inward, an eczema-like nipple change, or discharge that is new for you. Some breast cancers are found on screening before a change can be felt.

Many breast changes arise from non-cancer causes such as hormonal variation, cysts, infection or injury. Appearance and touch alone cannot reliably identify the cause. A clinician may use examination and imaging, followed by a biopsy when tissue is needed for diagnosis.

Look at and feel your breasts occasionally during everyday activities such as dressing or bathing. Include the nipples, the breast area up toward the collarbone and the underarms. If menstrual changes affect breast texture, note whether a finding remains after the usual cycle-related tenderness settles.

Discuss a screening plan based on your age, personal health and family history. Tell the clinician about previous breast biopsies, chest radiotherapy, a known inherited gene change, pregnancy or breastfeeding, because these details can affect the most suitable assessment or imaging.

Book a clinical assessment for a new lump, persistent focal pain, nipple or skin change, unexplained discharge, or a breast or underarm change that is new for you. Do this even after a recent normal screening result, because screening does not evaluate every new symptom.

Seek prompt care if the breast becomes rapidly red, hot and swollen, especially with fever or feeling unwell, as infection may need treatment. Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or collapse requires emergency help and should not wait for a breast clinic appointment.

Ask which screening schedule fits your circumstances, what the benefits and limitations of the recommended test are, and how results will reach you. For a symptom, ask what could explain it, whether imaging or biopsy is needed, and what follow-up is planned if the change persists.