How to Check for Breast Lumps at Home

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on women’s health and remind ourselves of the importance of early detection. As mums, we often put our own needs last while caring for everyone else, but checking in on our breast health is something we simply can’t afford to skip.

Breast self-checks are a simple, empowering way to get to know your body and spot any changes early. In only a few minutes, in the comfort of your home, you can do a breast check that could make all the difference. To make it easy, here are five straightforward steps you can follow on how to check for breast lumps with confidence.

5 Steps to Self-Check for Breast Lumps

1. Look in the mirror

Stand with shoulders straight and arms on hips. Check for any changes in size, shape, colour or skin texture. Look out for distortions, dimpling, or a nipple that’s pulled in.

2. Raise your arms and check again

Lift your arms overhead and look for the same changes you saw before: swelling, puckering, redness, or changes in the nipple.

3. Check for any discharge

While still in front of the mirror, gently squeeze each nipple to see if there’s any fluid – watery, milky, yellowish or with blood. If you are breastfeeding, you would expect to see a milky or watery discharge at this point, but if you find anything out of the ordinary for breastfeeding, get that checked.

4. Feel your breasts lying down

Lie down and use the finger pads of one hand to feel the opposite breast (right hand for left breast, left hand for right). Use a circular motion, covering from just under the collarbone down to the ribcage, and from the armpit to cleavage. Vary pressure: light for surface, deeper to reach chest wall.

5. Feel breasts while standing or sitting

Many find that this works best in the shower when skin is wet and slippery. Use the same pattern of motion you did lying down to cover every area.

When is the Best Time to Check for Breast Lumps and Changes?

The best time to check them is 3-5 days after your period. If you aren’t getting periods due to pregnancy, breastfeeding or menopause, it’s still important to check your boobs, so the start of the month is as good a time as any. If this is you, then schedule it in your diary or set an alert on your phone so you make some time to do it.

What to Do if You Find a Breast Lump or Changes

Don’t panic! Ok, that’s probably easier said than done. But rest assured, most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). Many breast changes are caused by hormonal changes, breast injury or benign breast conditions. If you notice something unusual in your breast—a lump, thickening, or change in shape—visit your GP as soon as possible. It’s normal to feel worried, but the sooner you get it checked, the sooner you’ll know what’s going on. Your GP is likely to refer you for imaging (ultrasound and/or mammogram) or a biopsy to make sure everything is okay. Remember: Early Detection Saves Lives If you would like more information on breast checks visit Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for lots of resources. Soul Mothers supports BCNA with a monthly donation to help them continue their great work.