Breast Cancer Foundation NZ
Check your breasts
What's next?
Learn the signs of breast cancer
Learn about the changes to your breasts that could be signs of breast cancer.
I've found a change, what now?
If you've noticed a new or unusual change, find out what to do next and when to see a GP.
Is it time for a mammogram?
Find out when you should start having mammograms and why, and whether you can get them for free.
Know your risk factors
Some people have a higher risk of breast cancer than others. Understanding your risk can help you make informed choices about your breast health.
How do I check my breasts?
It's as simple as TLC – Touch, Look, get Checked. Tap the icons below to learn about each step.
Use your hands to feel for anything that’s new or unusual for you. This could be a lump, thickened area, or anything that feels different from the rest your breast.
Standing or sitting
You can touch your breasts in a number of positions. Choose whichever feels most comfortable for you.
It may be easier to check your breasts while you're in the shower or bath, as wet hands can move more easily over your skin.
An easy way to check your breasts is to:
- Raise one arm above your head.
- Use the flat part of your middle three fingers to press into your breast, feeling for any changes. Press gently at first, then more firmly.
- Feel the entire breast area, from your collarbone to under your breast, and from the side of your breast up into your armpit. Move your hands up and down or in a circular pattern. This is an easy way to make sure you've checked the whole area.
- Repeat on the other breast.
Lying down
If you have larger breasts, it may be easier to check when you’re lying down so your breast tissue is flatter.
- Place a folded towel under one shoulder and raise your arm above your head.
- Using your other hand, feel the whole breast area, including the nipple, up to the collarbone and into your armpit.
- Swap the towel to your other shoulder and repeat on the other side.
Some breast cancers cause visible changes to a breast or nipple, so looking is an important part of checking your breasts.
With your hands on your hips, look at your breasts in a mirror. Notice their shape, colour, size, skin and the nipples. Then raise your arms above your head to check underneath the breast.
Look for anything that’s new or unusual for you. This includes dimpled or puckered skin, a change to the nipple, or any fluid coming from a nipple without squeezing it. You can learn more about the signs to look out for here.
Check out the video above for more information on how to self-check.
Finding a change that doesn’t look or feel normal can be worrying, but it's important to get any changes checked out by a GP, even if you've had a mammogram recently.
Most breast changes aren't caused by cancer but it’s important to have a doctor assess them. If a GP isn’t concerned but the change doesn’t go away, gets worse, or continues to worry you, go back or ask for a second opinion.
If you feel nervous or unsure about seeing a GP, ask a friend, partner, whānau member or someone else you trust to support you.
Need advice?
Talk to a Breast Cancer Foundation NZ nurse for free and confidential advice. Get in touch at 0800 226 8773 or breastnurse@bcf.org.nz.