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How To Check
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A note on wording:

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. We use the word chest to include all bodies and genders, and breast when we need to be clinically accurate.

When we say chest or breast, we mean the area from your ribs up to your collarbone and armpits, including your nipples. You might prefer to call your chest something else, and that’s ok!

How to check with implants?

There is no special technique for checking your chest if you have implants, you just need to get to know your normal and check monthly. 

If you have recently had implants, you will need to get used to your new normal. This is the case if you’ve had any surgery to your chest. It can take a while to get used to the changes and how your chest now looks and feels. You might have changes to sensitivity or new scar tissue, but the key is getting to know what’s normal for you, and to contact your GP if you have any concerns.

Here’s our top tips for checking with implants:

  • Look in the mirror and get to know how your chest looks now.
  • Feel the whole area up to your collarbone and under your armpits.
  • Try checking in different positions. For example, try checking while standing up and lying down to get to know your chest in different positions.
  • Notice anything new after your surgery, such as scars or new firmness.
  • Be patient. You will get used to your new normal, just keep checking once a month.
  • Tell your GP if you notice anything unusual or a new change occurs.
Image shows an emoji image of a chest with a magnifying glass hovering over the nipple area

Risks

There are risks with all surgery, and there are risks with all implants. 

There is no evidence that breast implants increase your risk of breast cancer. There is a rare form of cancer called Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma, which is linked to a very small number of breast implants. Breast Implant Associated Lymphoma is not breast cancer, it is a rare cancer of the immune system. Complications linked to breast implant surgeries are rare and not usually serious. Many breast implant surgeries are safe. If you are thinking about having breast implants, talk to your GP. The NHS also has more advice about breast implants.

Want a step-by-step guide to checking?

Visit the Self-Checkout

CoppaFeel! Self-Checkout

 

Our health information hasthe 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.

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