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 regularly
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.
Look AND feel
Being breast aware simply means knowing what is normal for your boobs or pecs. If you have periods, it’s likely you’ll find that your boobs will naturally change as part of your cycle each month. It is important to get to know the normal rhythm of your boobs so you will be able to detect 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.
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.