Being breast aware is about getting to know your breasts so that you know what is normal for you. There is no right way or wrong way to check your breasts, but it should involve both looking and feeling. Find a way you are most comfortable with.
This might be when you are in the bath, in the shower or when you use body lotion. Some women prefer to feel for changes while lying down. If you find any changes in your breasts, make an appointment with your GP. He/she will refer you to a breast clinic for further assessment if you need it.

It is important for all women, from an early age, to know their body and be breast aware.

Follow the 5-point breast awareness code:
1. Know what is normal for you
2. Know what changes to look and feel for
3. Look and feel for changes
4. Talk to your GP immediately if you spot any changes
5. Go for routine breast screening after the age of 50
Although it is rare, men can also get breast cancer so they need to be breast aware too.

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
• A change in size or shape such as one breast becoming larger than the other
• A change in the skin such as puckering or dimpling (like orange peel) or redness
• A change in the direction or shape of your nipple, especially if it sinks into your breast or becomes irregular in shape
• An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples
• A change on or around the nipple such as a rash or flaky or crusted skin
• Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
• A lump or thickening in your breas
• Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit

Source www.cancer.ie