How to Check Your Chest: A Guide for Parents

When you're a parent, there's always something, or someone, else to think about.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're asking you to prioritize one very important person on the list: YOU.

We asked over 1,000 moms, all with children under the age of 4 years, how often they check their chest and 69% of them told us they don't regularly check their chest*.

Between midnight feeds, nursery runs and managing family life, finding time for self-care can feel almost impossible. But getting to know what is normal for your body and establishing a regular chest self-check routine is one of the most important ways you can look after your own wellbeing.

Here's how to check your chest, what changes to look out for and when to speak to your GP.

Our pink lids mean something

This year, we've turned the lids of our Kendamil Organic Follow-on and Toddler milk tins pink in support of ASDA Tickled Pink.

Over the last 30 years, ASDA’s Tickled Pink campaign has raised more than £100 million for breast cancer charities. Through their partnerships with Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel! they have helped fund vital research, life-changing support services and initiatives that raise awareness among younger generations.

We spend so much of our time helping parents care for their little ones. This October, we want to remind them to care for themselves, too. 10% of sales from every pink tin will be donated to Tickled Pink charities Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!.

If you'd like to find a pink-lid tin, use our store locator to find your nearest ASDA store.

Where to check

You can check your chest in front of the mirror, in the shower or lying down in bed. Choose wherever feels most comfortable for you.

For many parents, multitasking is second nature:

• In the shower: Using soapy hands can make it easier to feel for any changes or texture differences across your skin.
• In front of the mirror: Looking at your chest with your arms at your sides, and then raised above your head, lets you easily spot visual changes.
• Lying down in bed: When you lie flat, your breast tissue spreads out more evenly, which can make it easier to feel the underlying tissue.

Whether it’s a quick glance while getting dressed or a few moments before sleep, fit it into a time when you already have a quiet moment.

How to check your chest

Remember to look and feel when checking your chest and don’t forget to check under your armpits and right up to your collarbone.

Learning how to check your chest is straightforward and only takes a couple of minutes. A thorough check involves two simple steps: looking and feeling.

• Look: Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look at your breasts or chest for any changes in shape, size, skin texture, or color. Then, raise your arms above your head and look for the same features.
• Feel: Use the pads of your middle fingers to feel around your chest in a gentle, circular motion. Cover the entire area, using light pressure for skin-level tissue and firmer pressure for deeper tissue.

It is vital to remember that breast tissue extends beyond the main bust area. Always feel right up to your collarbone, across your upper chest, into your armpit, and around the full outer edges.

For more detailed, illustrated guidance on checking techniques, visit CoppaFeel!'s guide to checking your chest.

What to check for

When learning how to check your chest, it's helpful to remember that a lump is not the only sign of a potential change. Becoming familiar with what is 'normal' for your body helps you spot any unusual differences quickly.

When checking your chest, look and feel for:

• Unusual lumps or thickening in the breast, chest area, or armpit
• Rash or crusting around the nipple or skin
• A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
• A change in colour or unusual redness
• Liquid discharge from either nipple (which is not breast milk)
• Puckering or dimpling of the skin
• An inverted nipple or a nipple that has pulled inwards

Changes can look or feel completely different from person to person. While this list outlines key signs and symptoms of breast cancer, it does not cover every possible change. If you notice anything new, unusual, or persistent, it should always be discussed with a GP.

For a comprehensive breakdown of potential signs, read CoppaFeel!'s breast cancer information and advice.

How often should you check?

Check every month, so you can get to know what's 'normal' for you.

CoppaFeel! recommends checking your chest every month to help you get to know what's normal for you and notice any unusual changes.

Try to make it part of your routine, perhaps by choosing a regular day each month. You can also sign up for a free monthly reminder text using CoppaFeel!'s Self-Checkout tool.

A note for when breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can change how your breasts feel throughout the day. They may feel fuller before a feed and softer afterwards, so it's helpful to get to know what's normal for you.

It's important not to assume that every new lump or change is related to breastfeeding. If you notice anything unusual or are concerned about a change, speak to your GP or midwife. You can find more information in CoppaFeel!'s pregnancy and breastfeeding health resources.

A note for those who menstruate

Your chest may feel more tender, swollen or heavy at certain points in your menstrual cycle. These changes are common and can be linked to hormonal fluctuations.

Getting to know how your chest usually changes throughout your cycle can help you recognize what's normal for you. However, don't assume that a new or unusual change is simply down to your hormones. If you notice something that concerns you, contact your GP.

GP support

If in doubt, get it checked. Your GP can send you for further tests.

If you discover a change during your monthly check or at any other time, contact your GP surgery promptly. You do not need to wait for your next scheduled monthly check to book an appointment.

It is completely natural to feel anxious when booking an appointment, but remember that the majority of chest changes turn out to be non-cancerous conditions, such as benign cysts or hormonal tissue changes. However, getting a professional evaluation is the only way to know for sure.

Your GP is there to support you, perform a physical examination, and, if necessary, refer you to a local breast clinic for further quick and routine tests.

For practical advice on speaking with your doctor, explore CoppaFeel!'s guide on visiting your GP. For wider medical information, you can also visit Breast Cancer Now or the NHS breast health overview.

With so much focus on your little ones, your needs can easily slip down the list. But this is your reminder, your health matters too.

Finding a few minutes to check your chest regularly is a small but important way to look after yourself, too.

To support the campaign this October, look out for our special pink-lid Kendamil Organic Follow-on and Toddler milk tins in store. Every purchase helps us donate 10% directly to Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!. Use the Kendamil store locator to find your nearest participating ASDA retailer today.

*Survey conducted on 17 September 2026. Sample size: 1,000 females aged 25 to 45, all with children under four.