A note on terms:
Breast cancer can affect anybody, and everybody is welcome in CoppaFeel!’s community. We’re actively inclusive in our language and we ask people how they want to be described.
The word ‘chest’ is inclusive of all bodies and genders. When we need to be clinically accurate we use the word ‘breast’. You might prefer to call your chest something else, and that’s ok!
People of all ages and genders can get breast cancer. If found early, breast cancer is very treatable and survival rates are higher. So, get to know what’s normal for you and check yourself every month.
If found early, breast cancer is very treatable and survival rates are higher. Get to know what’s normal for you and check yourself every month.
Chest Check 101
You can check in any way that feels comfortable for you. In the shower, when you’re lying down in bed or in the mirror before you get dressed. However you want to check, we have some handy pointers to help.
Check every month
We believe chest checking should be part of your monthly routine so you will notice any unusual changes quickly. By checking every month, you will get more confident about knowing what is normal for you. Everyone has to start somewhere, so do not worry if you do not feel confident straight away.
Know what's normal for you
Being breast aware means knowing what is normal for you.If you have periods, it’s likely you will find your chest changes naturally as part of your cycle each month. It is important to get to know the normal rhythm of your chest so you will notice anything unusual quickly.
Look AND feel
Many of the signs of breast cancer are changes you would only notice by seeing how your chest looks. . We recommend coppin’ a feel AND taking a look during your checks.
The area that can be affected by breast cancer reaches all the way up to your collarbones and underneath your armpits. Check this whole area each time. This is the same for all genders.
If in doubt, get it checked out
Only your GP can send you for further tests and a diagnosis. If the sign you have noticed does not go away after a week, we suggest you arrange to visit your GP straight away.
Find out more about what to expect when you visit your doctor.
GET CLUED UP ON THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER
A lump is not the only sign of breast cancer, so getting to know more will help you notice anything unusual quickly. Remember, if you have periods, some of these changes might happen naturally with your cycle and can be perfectly normal.
Chest checking FAQs
From what age do you recommend checking your chest?
There is no specific age to start. Our wonderful Boobette volunteers talk to school aged people from the ages of 12-13. Below these ages, we gently encourage body awareness.
Why should I check my chest if I haven’t developed breasts yet?
Get to know your body, and what looks and feels normal for you. Before the age of 12, get to know your body and start getting to know your chest as it develops.
The CoppaFeel! Self-Checkout web app helps guide people through the checking process and you can set monthly reminders too.
Do you use models or props that have lumps in for people to practise checking?
No. We don’t use these models for several reasons.
It’s important for people to know what is normal for their own bodies, and these models are not an accurate example of most peoples’ chests. There are other signs of breast cancer. A lump is most common, but it is not the only sign of breast cancer.
Lumps can look and feel different for everyone, and many will be harmless. These models can cause worry if people are unable to find the lumps.
How do I check if I have smaller or bigger boobs?
Our checking advice is the same for every chest. Find a way that works best for you and make it a monthly routine. Some people prefer to check when lying down, some like to check before or after a shower as it’s an ideal time to be looking and feeling. Remember to take your time, if you have a bigger chest you might want to take a little longer to make sure you’re looking and feeling the whole area.
If you think you find an unusual change, can you get checked for free?
Yes. Contact your local medical centre or GP surgery to arrange an appointment, this will be free of charge. Some people may be able to use private healthcare services which you pay for, but the NHS is free.
Can I get somebody else to check for me instead?
Contact a GP. They may ask to look at your chest area. See more of our tips on what to expect when you go to the GP.
What about the stigma when talking about our bodies, and chest checking?
There is still a lot of stigma when talking about boobs, pecs and chests which we are working to change. Culture and religion can also play into attitudes towards breast cancer so we need to be considerate in our approach so that no one is left out of our life-saving message.
If someone has a preventative mastectomy, (surgery to remove all of the breast including the nipple) do they still need to check themselves?
Yes keep checking your chest. Remember this includes your armpits and up to your collarbone.
We spoke to Breast Cancer Now as they have lots of information on this:
Although with a mastectomy all the breast tissue is theoretically gone and therefore the risk is greatly reduced, we still encourage people to check the breast/chest area.
For preventative mastectomy for gene carriers who haven’t had breast cancer, check out this booklet Family history of breast cancer: managing your risk
For someone who is a gene carrier and has had breast cancer and a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed), check out the booklet above but also have a look at these pages on breast cancer recurrence or their booklet After breast cancer treatment: what now? This one is for anyone who has had breast cancer whether they have had lumpectomy (surgery to remove an area of cancer from the breast) or a single or bilateral mastectomy (one or both breasts removed).
There’s a lot of information out there about breast cancer and what can cause it, what do I believe?
Visit trusted places, such as CoppaFeel! the NHS, Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now. There are lots of confusing messages out there but make sure you don’t believe everything you read, and look for official guidance and updates on these sites.
Look at UK sites if you want to read UK-based health information, as breast cancer may be talked about differently in other countries.
Our health information has the PIF TICK quality mark, so you can trust it and rely on it.
Visit the Self-Checkout
Our Self-Checkout has lots of simple tips and step-by-step tools to help you get to know what’s normal for you. You can even set up reminders about checking each month.
Our health information has the PIF TICK quality mark, so you can trust and rely on it.
We updated this information in April 2024. We will look at it again in April 2027.