Why I’m Checking My Boobs More Often (And Why You Should Too)
By Lucy, Founder of WooWoo
I’ve just had my fourth friend tell me she’s been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Fourth.
Not distant acquaintances. Not “older women.”
My friends. Women younger than me. Women who eat well. Who move their bodies. Who don’t have family history. Women who, on paper, were doing everything “right.”
And suddenly it feels closer.
It feels like it’s quietly edging into my life.
It’s not dramatic. It’s not panic. It’s more… a slow realisation.
This isn’t something that happens “later.” It’s happening now. To normal, brilliant, busy women.
So I’ve started checking my boobs more intentionally.
Not obsessively. Not fearfully.
Just… consistently.
Breast Cancer Isn’t Just a “Later in Life” Thing
We grow up thinking breast cancer is something that happens in our 60s or 70s.
But more and more of us are hearing stories closer to home.
Women in their 30s.
Women in their 40s.
Women juggling work, school runs, gym classes and group chats.
It’s not about scaring ourselves. It’s about being awake to our bodies.
There’s something powerful about knowing what’s normal for you.
That’s what breast awareness really is.
What Does “Checking Your Boobs” Actually Mean?
Checking your boobs isn’t about diagnosing yourself.
It’s not about pressing frantically in the shower once a year.
It’s about familiarity.
It’s about understanding how your breasts usually look and feel, so you can notice changes.
Step 1: Look
Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and arms down.
Look for:
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Changes in size or shape
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Skin dimpling or puckering
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Redness or irritation
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Nipple turning inward unexpectedly
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Any visible swelling
Then raise your arms above your head and look again.
Step 2: Feel (Standing or in the Shower)
Using the flat pads of your fingers (not your fingertips), move in small circular motions.
You can use:
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Circular motion from the outside moving inward
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Up-and-down vertical lines
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Wedge sections from nipple outward
Cover:
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The entire breast
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Up to the collarbone
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Across to the sternum
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Into the armpit area
Use light, medium, and slightly firmer pressure.
Step 3: Feel (Lying Down)
When you lie down, breast tissue spreads more evenly.
Place a pillow under one shoulder, raise that arm above your head, and repeat the same motions.
Then switch sides.
That’s it.
It takes five minutes. Just need to get into a routine of doing it.
When Should You Check?
Once a month is ideal.
If you have periods, aim for a few days after your period ends breasts are usually less tender then and I seem to have weird lumpy bits that are fluid retention during my period that send me into a tailspin and then they disapear after.
If you don’t have periods, just pick a memorable date (like the first of the month).
Consistency matters more than perfection.
What Are You Actually Looking For?
You’re not looking for cancer, you’re looking for change.
That might include:
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A new lump or thickening
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Swelling in part of the breast
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Persistent pain in one spot
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Skin that looks like orange peel
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Nipple discharge (that isn’t milk)
Most changes won’t be cancer.
But the earlier anything unusual is checked by a GP or nurse, the better. If they want more information, you'll get a referal (normally within two weeks) for a mammogram.. even at this point, most of the time its nothing!
You Can Be Healthy and Still Need to Check
This has been the biggest wake-up call for me.
These are women who:
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Eat whole foods
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Exercise regularly
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Don’t smoke
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Don’t have family history
Breast cancer does not require you to “deserve” it.
It doesn’t care how green your smoothies are.
So please don’t assume lifestyle alone protects you from needing awareness.
Healthy women check their boobs too.
Let’s Normalise Talking About It
We talk about skincare routines.
We talk about gut health.
We talk about gym splits and supplements.
Why are we still whispering about breasts?
Checking your boobs should be as normal as washing your face.
At WooWoo, we’ve always believed intimate care isn’t taboo.
And that includes breast awareness.
Your body is not embarrassing.
It’s yours.
If You’re Avoiding Checking Because You’re Scared…
I get it.
Sometimes it feels easier not to look.
But avoiding doesn’t create safety.
Familiarity does.
Think of it like this:
You check so that if anything changes, you notice early.
And early action gives you options.
Checking isn’t inviting something in.
It’s staying informed.
A Note on Screening
Self-checks don’t replace mammograms or professional screening.
If you’re eligible for screening, go. The team at Woowoo are sharing the link to a petition to get breast screening for all women over 40 (link here)
If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment.
This Is Me, Choosing Not to Ignore It
I can’t control statistics.
I can’t control what happens to the people I love.
But I can:
Stand in front of the mirror once a month.
Take five quiet minutes.
And I can say this out loud:
If you haven’t checked your boobs in a while, this is your gentle nudge.
Not from a health campaign.
From a friend.
FAQ: Checking Your Boobs
How often should I check my breasts?
Once a month is recommended so you become familiar with your normal texture and shape.
What if my breasts always feel lumpy?
Many breasts naturally have a lumpy or rope-like texture. What matters most is noticing new or unusual changes.
Is breast pain always a sign of cancer?
No. Breast pain is common and often linked to hormonal changes. Persistent, unusual pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Do I still need mammograms if I self-check?
Yes. Self-checks help you stay aware, but they don’t replace professional screening.
What age should I start checking?
Breast awareness can start in your 20s. Screening guidelines vary by country, so check your local health authority’s recommendations.
Breast Cancer Links
Petition to lower the screening age for mammograms in the UK to 40 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/742179/signatures/new
NHS guidelines on how to check your breasts https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/
Support if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer https://www.maggies.org/support-information/about-cancer/types/breast-cancer/
