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How to Check Your Breasts: A Simple Breast Self-Examination Guide
December 20, 2025

How to Check Your Breasts: A Simple Self-Examination Guide

How to check your breasts regularly is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay aware of your breast health. Although most breast changes are harmless, becoming familiar with what is normal for your body helps you notice unusual changes early and seek medical advice promptly when needed.

Breast self-examination does not replace professional screening or mammograms. However, it plays an important role in breast awareness and personal health monitoring.

This guide explains how to check your breasts properly, what changes to look for, and when to see a specialist.

Why Learning How to Check Your Breasts Is Important

Breasts naturally change throughout life due to hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and ageing. For this reason, regular self-checks help you:

  • Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts

  • Detect changes early

  • Gain confidence in recognising what feels unusual

  • Seek medical advice promptly when something feels different

Early assessment often brings reassurance. Moreover, when something does require attention, early action matters.

When Should You Check Your Breasts?

To get the most accurate results, timing is important.

  • Check your breasts once a month

  • The best time is a few days after your period ends, when tenderness is lowest

  • If you no longer have periods, choose the same day each month

Above all, consistency matters more than perfection.

How to Check Your Breasts: Step-by-Step Self-Examination

How to Check Your Breasts by Looking in the Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides, then raise them above your head.

Look for:

  • Changes in size or shape

  • Skin dimpling, puckering, or redness

  • Rashes or skin thickening

  • Nipple changes, including inversion or discharge

Visual changes can be just as important as lumps.

How to Check Your Breasts by Feeling for Changes

You can examine your breasts either while standing (often in the shower) or lying down.

Using the flat part of your fingers, move gently but firmly over the entire breast. Choose one of these methods and use it consistently:

  • Circular motion

  • Vertical up-and-down lines

  • Wedge pattern moving outward from the nipple

Make sure to cover:

  • The whole breast

  • The nipple area

  • The area up to the armpit, where breast tissue extends

How to Check Your Breasts While Lying Down

Lie on your back with one arm behind your head. This position spreads the breast tissue more evenly, making changes easier to detect.

Repeat the same gentle movements and pressure on each breast.

What Should You Be Looking For?

It is normal for breasts to feel slightly lumpy, especially before a period. However, you should be aware of:

  • A new lump or thickening

  • A lump that feels different from surrounding tissue

  • Persistent pain in one area

  • Skin dimpling or texture changes

  • Nipple discharge, especially clear or bloody

  • A lump in the armpit

Most breast lumps are benign. Nevertheless, any new or unusual change should always be checked.

What If You Find a Lump?

Finding a lump does not automatically mean something serious. Common non-cancerous causes include:

  • Cysts

  • Fibroadenomas

  • Hormonal changes

  • Lipomas

For example, you can learn more about benign lumps in our guide on
cyst vs lipoma differences:
https://www.austingraces.com/cyst-vs-lipoma

Even so, the safest step is a professional assessment to confirm the diagnosis and provide reassurance.

Do Breast Implants Affect How to Check Your Breasts?

Women with breast implants should still perform regular breast self-examinations.

  • Implants sit behind the breast tissue or muscle

  • You can still feel your natural breast tissue

  • Pay attention to changes in shape, firmness, or symmetry

If you feel unsure about how to check your breasts with implants, a specialist can guide you during a consultation.

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should seek medical advice if:

  • A lump does not go away

  • You notice skin or nipple changes

  • Pain persists in one area

  • You feel uncertain or anxious about a change

At AustinGraces Plastic Surgery, we offer expert breast assessments in a calm, supportive, medical environment. You can also read the NHS breast awareness guidance here for additional information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/breast-awareness

Why Choose AustinGraces Plastic Surgery?

  • GMC-certified senior plastic surgeon

  • Expert breast assessments and lump evaluations

  • Clear explanations and honest reassurance

  • Safe, professional medical setting

  • Clinics in Chelmsford, Ilford, and Brentwood

Your comfort, clarity, and peace of mind always come first.

Book a Breast Assessment

If you have noticed a change or simply want reassurance, speaking to a specialist is the right next step.

📍 Clinics: Chelmsford • Ilford • Brentwood
🌐 Website: https://www.austingraces.com

Early assessment brings clarity, reassurance, and confidence.

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