💗 How to Check Yourself for Breast Cancer – How Often Should I Do It?

This blog is being released as part of Coreco’s Protection Month, a campaign dedicated to helping you look after what matters most: your health, your wellbeing, and your future.

At Coreco, we talk a lot about financial protection, but protecting yourself goes beyond policies and paperwork. It starts with looking after you.

Checking your boobs (or chest area) regularly is one of the best ways to spot early signs of breast cancer. The earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat and the better the outcome.

The good news? It only takes a few minutes, and anyone can do it.

Here’s what you need to know 👇

🕒 How Often Should I Check My Boobs?

It’s a good idea to check your boobs once a month.

Try to check them at the same time each month, this helps you notice what’s normal for you and spot anything that’s changed.

👉 Top tip for people who have periods: Check a few days after your period ends, when your boobs are least likely to be swollen or tender.

👉 If you don’t have periods anymore: Just pick a regular date each month that’s easy to remember (like the 1st or last day).

As part of Protection Month, we’re encouraging everyone at Coreco — and all our followers — to set a reminder and make it a habit. It’s a small act of self-care that can make a huge difference.

🙋‍♀️ What Am I Looking For?

When checking your boobs, you’re looking for anything that feels or looks different to what’s normal for you.

Here’s a simple list of what to look and feel for:

✅ Look in the mirror:

• Changes in size or shape of either breast
• Swelling, especially around the collarbone or underarm
• Skin changes – puckering, dimpling, rashes, redness, or thickening
• Changes in the nipple – turning in, changing position, or discharge (that’s not breast milk)

✅ Feel with your hands:

• Lumps or thickened areas you haven’t felt before
• Unusual pain in your breast or armpit that doesn’t go away
• Swelling or a lump in your armpit

Remember: most lumps aren’t cancer, but it’s always best to get anything new or unusual checked by your GP.

✋ How Do I Check My Boobs?

You don’t need any special skills. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Look
   Stand in front of a mirror with your arms down, then raised. Look at the front and sides of your breasts.

Check for:

• Changes in shape, size, or position
• Skin changes (dimpling, redness, rashes)
• Nipple changes

2. Feel
   You can do this lying down, standing up, or in the shower — whatever is most comfortable.

• Use the flat part of your fingers, not your fingertips
• Press firmly but gently, moving in small circles
• Cover the whole area: breast, collarbone, and armpit
• Repeat on both sides

👩‍⚕️ What If I Find Something?

Don’t panic — most changes are not cancer. But always speak to your GP as soon as possible if:

• You find a lump
• You notice anything unusual or new
• Something just doesn’t feel right

It’s always better to check and be safe.

🧠 A Note for Everyone – Not Just Women

Breast cancer doesn’t only affect women. Men and people of all genders can get breast cancer too. So, no matter who you are, it’s important to check your chest regularly.

During Coreco’s Protection Month, we want to remind everyone, this is about protecting everybody’s health. Awareness saves lives.

🎀 Final Thought

Checking your boobs once a month can literally save your life. It takes just a few minutes, and it helps you stay in control of your health.

So go on, get to know your normal. The more familiar you are with your body, the quicker you’ll notice if something changes.

👉 Set a reminder on your phone
👉 Talk to your friends and family about it
👉 And never feel embarrassed – your health matters

Because at Coreco, Protection Month isn’t just about financial security, it’s about protecting yourself in every sense of the word. 💗

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