Simple 'chest checklist' to examine yourself for breast cancer

Breast cancer awareness charity has shared the 'Chest Checklist' - a simple, step-by-step way to check your breasts. Monthly checking helps you to get to know what is normal for your boobs, pecs or chest.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so there's no better time to ensure you're up to date with your checks. If you're not sure how to do it or what you're looking for, you can use the 'Chest Checklist'.

In a recent video on TikTok, ! said: "You can check in any way that feels comfortable for you. In the shower, when you're lying down in bed or in the mirror before you get dressed. However you want to check, we have some handy pointers to help.

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"Check regularly - we believe chest checking should be part of your monthly routing so you will notice any unusual changes quickly. By checking every month, you will get more confident about knowing what is normal for you. Everyone has to start somewhere, so do not worry if you do not feel confident straight away.

"Get to know your normal - being breast aware simply means knowing what is normal for your boobs or pecs. If you have periods, it's likely you'll find that your boobs will naturally change as part of your cycle each month. It is important to get to know the normal rhythm of your boobs so you will be able to detect anything unusual quickly.

"Look and feel - many of the signs of breast caner are changes you would only notice by seeing how your chest looks. We recommend coppin' a feel AND taking a look during your checks.

"The area that can be affected by breast cancer reaches all the way up to your collarbones and underneath your armpits. Check this whole area each time. This is the same for all genders.

"If in doubt, get it checked out - only your GP can send you for further tests and a diagnosis. If the sign you have noticed does not go away after a week, we suggest you arrange to visit your GP straight away."

In another video, the charity said: "The chest checklist. So what are you looking out for? Changes to size or shape? Can you feel any thickening or lumps?

"Look at the skin texture. Any dimpling, rashes or puckering? Feeling around your armpits and collarbone for swelling.

"How are your nips doing? Any discharge, inversion, changes in direction? And take note of any unusual breast pain, especially if it's alongside another symptom."

CoppaFeel! also has a, which guides you through the process of how to check your chest. It also offers advice on how to check your chest, has information about the signs of breast cancer, and gives you the opportunity to sign up to monthly text, email or calendar reminders.