Posted: 30th October, 2025
Issue 35: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Anyone can get breast cancer. It’s important to check your breasts or chest regularly (around once a month) for symptoms of breast cancer or other conditions. Getting to know what’s normal for your breasts can make it easier to spot unusual changes early.
Checking your Breasts
What to look for when checking your breasts or chest
Symptoms to look and feel for when checking your breasts or chest include:
- a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
- a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it’s common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
- nipple discharge (if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (it may look like eczema)
- sores or ulcers on your chest
Breast Screening
How breast screening is done
Breast screening is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers. You can ask them about any questions or concerns you have.
- You’ll need to undress, in a private changing area, so you are naked from the waist up. You may be given a hospital gown to put on.
- You’ll be called into the X-ray room and the mammographer will explain what will happen.
- The mammographer will place your breast onto the X-ray machine. It will be squeezed between 2 pieces of plastic to keep it still while the X-rays are taken. This takes a few seconds and you need to stay still. Your breast will be taken off the machine afterwards.
- The X-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
- Your other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
- You will then return to the changing area to get dressed.
Your results will be sent to you in the post.
Things to help your breast screening appointment
You do not need to do anything special to prepare for a mammogram. But there are things that may help.
Don’t
- do not use talcum powder or spray deodorant on the day as this may affect the mammogram – roll-on deodorant is OK
Do
- wear a skirt or trousers, rather than a dress, to make it easier to get naked to the waist
- remove necklaces and nipple piercings before you arrive for your appointment
- tell them if you have found screening uncomfortable in the past
- talk to the staff if you are nervous or embarrassed, they are trained to help you feel more comfortable and provide support
- ask staff not to use any phrases or words that make you uncomfortable or nervous
- tell the staff your pronouns, if you would like to
Menopause News
Menopause included in routine health checks
Women across England will benefit from the menopause being included in routine NHS health checks. Routine appointments will now ensure women experiencing perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms get the right information and support, while also raising awareness earlier so more women recognise the signs and seek help sooner if needed.
🎃 Happy Halloween 🎃
Breast Cancer Now
The research and support charity
Every 10 minutes, someone hears the words “you have breast cancer”. That's why we're here. And we always will be.