{"id":16326,"date":"2024-11-07T14:20:40","date_gmt":"2024-11-07T14:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/?page_id=16326"},"modified":"2026-02-07T11:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T11:05:09","slug":"breast-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ourdorset.org.uk\/women\/breast-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your breasts may naturally look and feel different at different points in your menstrual cycle, during your period, while you\u2019re pregnant or breastfeeding, or after menopause. Sometimes your breasts may feel tender, but they should not feel painful. Knowing what your breasts feel like when you are healthy is important as it will help you to know when something isn\u2019t quite right.<\/p>\n

Scroll down for more information or:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Learn more about looking after your breasts or chest <\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Find local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

What would you like to know?<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div>
About breast health<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Problems with breast health <\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Local services<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

About breast health<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Breasts naturally come in different sizes and shapes, and one breast may even be slightly larger than the other \u2013 this is normal. It is also normal for breasts to go through changes during your menstrual cycle and throughout your life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Checking your breasts<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Bra fitting<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Breastfeeding<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
LGBTQ+<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>
How to live well<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

Checking your breasts<\/h2><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

When checking your breasts, the texture should be relatively similar throughout, with some natural lumpiness that feels similar on both sides. The skin on your breasts should appear smooth and even, without noticeable redness, irritation, or unusual skin texture changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>

<\/i>Learn how to check your breasts – NHS UK<\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/i>Check your breasts \u2013 sign up for a monthly text reminder – Breast Cancer UK<\/span><\/a><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>

See a doctor immediately if you notice:<\/h3><\/div>
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    A hard, immovable lump in the breast<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • <\/i><\/span>
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    Redness, swelling, warmth in the breast, especially with fever<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • <\/i><\/span>
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    Nipple discharge, particularly if bloody<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

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    Significant changes in breast appearance or texture<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

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    Pain impacting daily activities<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>