Checking your boobs: words of wisdom from CoppaFeel!

Breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel! are on a mission to stamp out late detection and misdiagnosis of breast cancer by ensuring that you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, know what your boobs look and feel like normally, check your boobs regularly throughout your lifetime and have the confidence to seek medical referral if you detect any changes. Start the habit of a lifetime today!

Guys don’t think this doesn’t apply to you. Around 300 men are year are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, so get to know your body and seek medical referral if you detect any changes.

How do I check my Boobs?

There's no right or wrong way to check your boobs. What's important is to do it regularly so you'll get to know what's normal. Most people assume it's just a lump that you're looking for, however there are other changes to look out for including skin texture changes, changes in size of one of your breasts, nipple inversion or changes in direction, constant pain in the breast or armpit, swelling or nipple discharge. Some of these things are normal and may be nothing sinister at all but it's good to be aware of any changes and monitor them, in case they don't go away. Remember to check up to your collar bone and your armpit.

Why is it a good thing for your partner to check you?

Because it's more fun to get your partner involved! They probably pay your boobs more attention than you do so it seems only right that they should be in on the boob checking act. 70% of all breast cancers are found by self-checking, including by partners. The more they get involved, the more easily they'll spot any changes - so let them have a good feel every now and again!

How regularly should they check and at what points of the day/month is it best to check?

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At least once a month but the more regular the better - there's always a good time for boob time! And it's best to check half way through your menstrual cycle (if you have one) so that your hormones have calmed down a bit. A lot of women experience changes including lumps during their periods.

What you should do if you think you've found something?

If you or your partner has spotted a change that's not normal for you and you're a bit worried about it, go to your doctor! Your doctor will be pleased that you took the initiative to have it checked out. Don't feel like you're 'wasting their time' or embarrassed - they've seen it all before!

Can you think of any common mistakes people make when they check?

Thinking it's just a lump to look for. It's important to have a proper look and feel - not just for lumps. Also thinking that there's a routine or a 'right way to do it'. There simply isn't so no more excuses!

And any tips to remind people to check themselves and each other?

We have a very handy reminder app for iPhone users, which is free and you can get your partner involved and make them your 'boob buddy.'

If you don't have an iPhone we have a free text reminder service. We will send you a text once a month to remind you it's boob time!

Or we have some super handy waterproof shower stickers with all the signs and symptoms on that you can order from our website.

Checking your boobs: words of wisdom from CoppaFeel!

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