Be aware of changes that might be signs of breast cancer. Get into the habit of checking your chest every month. Remember that some changes happen naturally if you have a monthly cycle, and can be perfectly normal.
If in doubt, get it checked out.
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. These signs may look different on your skin tone or your body. It’s really important to know what’s normal for you.
Remember to look AND feel when checking your chest.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
What you can see is as important as what you can feel, so remember to look AND feel when checking your chest.
Puckering or dimpling of the skin can look similar to orange peel.
It is important to check your upper chest and armpits as well. These areas can also be affected by breast cancer.
If you get to know how your chest feels normally, it will be easier to notice any unusual changes. These might be new lumps or one part of your chest starting to feel thicker than the rest.
This is liquid that comes from your nipple without you squeezing it.
Many people naturally have one breast or pec bigger than the other. Breasts or pecs can also gradually change as you get older. Many changes are perfectly normal. But if you notice a sudden, unusual change in size or shape, see your GP as soon as possible.
It is important to pay special attention to your nipple during your monthly checks. Look to see if your nipple has become pulled into your breast or pec, or looks different to usual. This could be a change in its position or shape.
There are lots of reasons why your skin could become irritated, especially if you are breastfeeding. Get it checked out if you notice a change in colour*, a rash or crusting on or around your nipple.
* Your skin tone may make a difference to how this looks.
On Black skin, the area may go darker than the surrounding area. You may notice small spots in the area, sometimes you can notice changes in colour such as purple, yellow or grey.
On brown skin tones, redness may be more maroon (brownish-red) and the area may go darker than the surrounding area. On white skin this may look pink or red.
Some pain can be perfectly normal, especially around your periods if you have them. Be aware of any unexplained pain in your breast, pec, or your armpit that is there all or almost all of the time.
Worried about a symptom?
Visit the Self-Checkout
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.