Breast Cancer has a bit of a rep for being a white woman’s disease, and this isn’t because it doesn’t impact all communities! In the UK, 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Every year, around 55,500 women and around 400 men receive a breast cancer diagnosis. But when breast cancer is caught in the early stages, there is almost a 100% chance of survival.

However, Black and South Asian communities are more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage compared to white women. 

There are a myriad of reasons why our communities have worse health outcomes at the moment, from medical racism to systemic inequalities when accessing health care; there is a huge onus on medical spaces to do better by us. Alongside medical inequities such as a lack of representation, awareness and health education, another key reason for this is that we are not adequately centred in materials about checking our chest. And while we can’t change the medical systems overnight, the best thing we can do is know our bodies, know what is normal for us, and know how to advocate in medical settings. So here is your guide to checking your chest and advocating for yourself. 

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This article is sponsored by CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity working to ensure every young person in the UK gets a fair chance at early detection and survival. They offer free resource materials for everyone, free monthly SMS reminders to check your chest (just text CHECK to 82228), and a simple self-check tool – because knowing your body could save your life.

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Why Regular Chest Checks Matter

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection through regular monthly checks of your chest can make a huge difference. Because when you know your normal, you can also spot when something has changed, and may need to be seen to. It might feel awkward or scary at first, but it can be one of the most empowering things you can do. 

When cancer is found early, it can help you get treatment faster and boost your chances of survival dramatically. 

How to Check

These checks are simple, can be done at home using a mirror, and can even fit into simple routine moments, like in the shower, before bed, or anywhere you feel comfortable. 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.

During your check, you want to feel and look for changes. Here’s what these changes can look or feel like:

• A new lump, thickening, or hard area that wasn’t there before.
• Changes in size, shape, or how your skin looks, like dimpling, puckering or redness.
• Any nipple changes, inverted nipple, new discharge or crusting.
• Pain, swelling or tenderness that doesn’t go away

Once you know what’s normal for you, you’ll notice immediately when something doesn’t feel right, which can save your life. Your breasts or chest might be lumpy, soft, firm, or uneven, and that’s okay. The key is noticing changes over time. 

If you are bigger-chested, you can try lying down or lifting your arm above your head to spread the tissue evenly, which can make it easier to feel everything clearly. Remember to take your time to make sure you’re looking and feeling the whole area.

Try to check once a month, ideally a few days after your period or after ghusl when your breasts are less tender. Add it to your self-care checklist: face mask, moisturiser, check your chest! The more you know about your body, the better you can advocate for yourself. 

Help with Checking 

You can also refer to Dr Funmi’s tips on how to check your chest or try CoppaFeel!’s easy and simple self-checkout tool for more information. They also offer waterproof and removable shower hangers and stickers for free, giving you two easy reminders to check your chest in one easy resource. 

And if you need a little extra reminder, sign up for CoppaFeel!’s free monthly SMS service by texting CHECK to 82228. They’ll text you on the first day of every month, a gentle nudge to feel it on the first! 

Think about the women in your life, too, and how you can support and empower them to regularly check their chests. You may have mothers, grandmothers and aunts who have never been taught how to check themselves for signs of breast cancer, or who still believe that talking to the doctor about their chest is shameful.

There could even be language barriers or cultural attitudes at play preventing them from accessing the medical care they might need, but dismantling these taboos or even offering to go along to a GP appointment with a loved one could save lives. 

What Happens if I Find a Change?

Okay, so you’ve checked your chest, and you think you’ve found a change. First things first, take a deep breath. Finding something like a lump doesn’t always mean cancer.

There are lots of harmless reasons, like hormonal changes, cysts, or fibroadenomas (which are non-cancerous breast lumps), but it’s always worth getting checked.

The next thing that you should do is try and note exactly where it is and what it feels like. You can mark it with a pen or take a quick note. Next, book an appointment with your GP. You do not need to wait to see if it goes away. Your doctor is there to help you with their expertise.

At your appointment, your GP will likely examine your chest and ask about your cycle, your lifestyle, family history, and any changes you’ve noticed. If they think it needs more checks, they’ll refer you to a breast clinic. 

This does NOT mean that you have cancer.

At the breast clinic, you might have an ultrasound or mammogram, and sometimes a biopsy. It sounds scary, but these tests are quick, safe, and will give you the answers you need. Because the sooner you get it checked, the better the outcome.

How to Advocate for Yourself 

If you’re concerned and not satisfied with the steps your GP is taking, you could ask them the following questions: 

• “Why am I not being referred for further investigation?”
• “Which symptoms or changes should I look out for that would warrant me coming back to see you?”

It’s important to note that the requirements or guidelines GPs use to refer you for further checks are quite minimal, so remember that you definitely deserve answers if no steps are being taken. If advocating for yourself feels difficult, bring a friend or loved one to help you have that discussion with your healthcare provider. It is completely normal if you’re anxious while waiting for results. Reach out to someone you trust, or connect with charities like CoppaFeel! that can offer advice and support. 

Most of the time, lumps turn out to be benign (non-cancerous), but early screening makes all the difference. Don’t second-guess or delay it. Because you know your body best, and staying on top of your checks is a great way to take care of it and protect your health. 

Our bodies are an amanah, and having regular conversations around how to take care of ourselves and keep our bodies healthy is part of honouring that trust. Regular checks, early conversations, and self-advocacy can make all the difference.