It is important that every woman is breast aware. This means knowing what is normal for you so that if any unusual change occurs, you will recognise it. The sooner you notice a change the better, because if cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts from time to time.
Changes to be aware of
a change in size or shape – it may be that one breast has become larger
changes in the nipple – in direction or shape, pulled in or flattened nipple
changes on or around the nipple – rash, flaky or crusted skin
changes in the skin – dimpling, puckering or redness
'orange peel’ appearance of the skin caused by unusually enlarged pores
swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
a lump, any size, or thickening in your breast
constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit