New breast cancer warning as women urged to check for these signs

A new government partnership aims to help women spot breast cancer earlier, as experts share the signs every mum should know.

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Published: October 13, 2026 at 12:21 PM

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For many mums, keeping track of everyone else's health comes naturally. From booking appointments and remembering vaccinations to managing the endless stream of nursery bugs, there's always something that needs attention. But when it comes to looking after ourselves, even finding five minutes can feel like a challenge.

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Now, worrying new research has revealed that almost a third (29%) of women in England who regularly check their breasts don't feel confident they would notice a change. And with separate research showing that more than a third of mums are checking their breasts less often since having children, experts are urging women to make breast awareness part of their everyday routines.

The findings come as the government announces a major new partnership with Breast Cancer Now, designed to help women recognise possible symptoms earlier and access trusted advice. With one in seven women in the UK expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime, knowing what to look for could make a life-saving difference.

Almost a third of women aren't confident spotting breast cancer symptoms

A mature woman stands before a bedroom mirror, using her hands to carefully examine her breasts as part of a routine self-check. Her focused, concerned expression reflects awareness and responsibility for her health. The intimate home setting emphasizes personal care, early detection, and women's health awareness

Getty/Galina Zhigalova

New figures released by Breast Cancer Now during Breast Cancer Awareness Month reveal that 29% of women in England who regularly check their breasts don't feel confident they would notice a change.

Meanwhile, 11% of those who check less than once a month say it's because they don't know what to look for.

The research also found that one in five UK adults (20%) wouldn't feel confident knowing where to find trustworthy information about breast cancer if they had concerns.

In response, earlier this month the Department of Health and Social Care announced a three-year partnership with Breast Cancer Now, as part of its Renewed Women's Health Strategy for England.

The initiative aims to make reliable breast health information more accessible, particularly in underserved communities, while helping women recognise symptoms and understand when to contact their GP.

It will also offer additional information and support for women finishing breast cancer treatment, including guidance on spotting possible signs of the disease returning.

The importance of early detection is significant. According to Breast Cancer Now, almost 100% of people diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer survive for at least five years, compared with 32% of those diagnosed at stage 4.

Rachael Franklin, Deputy Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now, welcomed the partnership.

Better serving women means meeting them where they are, listening to what they need, and ensuring every woman gets the information and support to spot breast cancer sooner. From the first check to treatment and beyond, we’ll be there.

Rachael Franklin, Deputy Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Now

Why having children can make breast checks harder to remember

For mums juggling work, childcare and family life, finding time to prioritise their own health isn't always straightforward.

Research commissioned by Kendamil and conducted by Attest among 1,000 women aged 25 to 45 with children under four found that 74% struggle to make time for their own health and wellbeing.

More than a third (36%) said they check their breasts less frequently since becoming mothers, while 69% admitted they don't check regularly.

Of those surveyed, 61% said forgetting, having too many other things to think about or putting their family's needs first contributed to checking less often.

And there's an emotional impact, too. Almost two-thirds (64%) said not checking regularly made them feel guilty, worried or uneasy.

But Kaye Smith, PhD, a behavioural health coach and women's health expert from Cosara, believes that guilt can actually make women less likely to check.

The guilt in that research is doing more damage than people assume. In clinic, women who feel they've already failed at self-care tend to avoid the check altogether rather than do it badly, so the worry quietly becomes the reason it never happens.

Kaye Smith, PhD, behavioural health coach and women's health expert

Instead of expecting mums to find extra time in an already packed schedule, she recommends linking breast checks to something they already do each month, such as a regular bill payment or school reminder.

The message is simple: breast awareness doesn't need to become another source of pressure.

How to check your breasts in five minutes

If you're unsure where to start, Janine Dutton, owner of Belle Lingerie, has shared a straightforward three-step approach to checking your breasts at home.

The aim isn't to diagnose anything yourself, but to become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to recognise anything unusual.

  1. Look in the mirror. Remove your bra and check both breasts for any visible differences. Start with your arms by your sides, then raise them above your head to look for changes in shape, skin or nipples.
  2. Feel your breasts and surrounding areas. Using your fingers, move around each breast with gentle circular motions, applying a mixture of light and firmer pressure. Remember to check up towards your collarbones and underneath your armpits.
  3. Check your nipples. Look and feel for changes in their appearance, including new rashes, unusual discharge or a nipple turning inwards.

The NHS recommends checking your breasts roughly once a month. You can do this in the shower, while getting dressed or whenever it's convenient.

You don't need specialist equipment, and there's no single perfect way to check. What's important is knowing what's normal for you and recognising when something changes.

Breast cancer symptoms every woman should know

Although many people associate breast cancer with finding a lump, there are several other possible symptoms worth knowing about.

According to NHS guidance, changes to look out for include:

Breasts naturally change throughout life, including during pregnancy, breastfeeding and different stages of your menstrual cycle.

Most breast changes aren't caused by cancer. However, it's important to contact your GP if you notice anything new or unusual, rather than waiting to see whether it disappears.

One mum's breast cancer diagnosis at just 27

For Warwickshire mum Kelly Taylor, discovering a lump at 27 led to a breast cancer diagnosis while she was caring for two very young children.

Kelly initially sought medical advice and was reassured that the lump was benign. However, she was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer just 10 days before her 28th birthday.

Her eldest son Archie was two, while her youngest, Frankie, was only nine months old.

Kelly underwent chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy, and her treatment was successful.

Reflecting on her experience, she has urged other mums not to overlook changes in their breasts.

If there’s one thing I want other mums to take from my experience, it’s to please check your breasts regularly and never ignore something that doesn’t feel right. We spend so much time looking after our little ones, but it’s so important we look after ourselves too!”

Kelly Taylor, mum and breast cancer survivor

What to do if you notice a change in your breasts

If you discover a lump or notice an unusual change, book an appointment with your GP. You don't need to wait for your next routine breast check or screening invitation.

Breast cancer can affect younger women, too, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, so don't assume a change is simply related to motherhood.

Your GP can examine you and arrange further tests if needed. And while many symptoms turn out to have harmless explanations, getting them checked is always the safest approach.

For mums who haven't checked their breasts recently, the advice isn't to feel guilty or overwhelmed. It's simply to start getting familiar with your body and find a reminder that works for you.

Whether that's the first shower of every month or a recurring calendar notification, a small habit can help you recognise changes sooner.

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For more information about breast checking and breast cancer symptoms, visit Breast Cancer Now or the NHS website.

Authors

Ruairidh PritchardDigital Growth Lead

Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.

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