Importance of regular breast checking and attending breast screening

Manveet Basra

Associate Director of Public Health, Inclusion and Awareness, Breast Cancer Now

Know the importance of early detection of breast cancer, regular breast checking and attending breast screening appointments when invited.

Breast Cancer Now wants every woman to know the importance of early detection, regular breast checking and to feel educated and empowered to know the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Get to know your normal with TLC

Early detection of breast cancer is key; the sooner it’s diagnosed, the more likely treatment will be successful. So, it’s important that all women know the signs and symptoms and get to know their ‘normal’ through regular breast checking. Breast cancer can cause a number of signs and symptoms and while most breast changes — including breast lumps — are not cancer, it’s important to get any change checked by your GP.

Breast checking only takes a few minutes. There’s no right way to do it, as long as it’s done regularly. It could be while getting dressed, showering or putting on moisturiser. It’s as simple as ‘Touch, Look, Check (TLC).’ Touch your breasts. Look for changes. Check any new or unusual changes with a GP.

Breast checking only
takes a few minutes.

Importance of routine breast screening

Breast screening is a key tool for detecting breast cancer early. In England, the minimum target for women taking up their screening invite has just been met for the first time in five years. However, there is still work to do as thousands of women miss having their breast cancer detected through screening each year. Women in deprived areas and certain minority ethnic groups face a higher risk of late breast cancer diagnosis due to significant health inequalities. Worryingly, these women are also less likely to attend regular breast screening, which is one of the issues driving these disparities.* 

Improving public awareness of breast screening

As part of our #NoTimeToWaste campaign, Breast Cancer Now, along with its supporters, has been calling for a national campaign in England to promote breast screening. It is also calling for the Government to provide a service that’s convenient and equitable for everyone eligible.

We were thrilled that NHS England announced a dedicated nationwide awareness campaign last month, targeted at those who need it most. Not only will this be a step forward in improving public understanding of breast screening and its importance, but it will crucially encourage more people to take up their invitation. We want to remind anyone affected by breast cancer that we can provide information and support — in every way we can, all year round.

*Source: Breast Cancer Now (2023). Our blueprint to transform breast screening by 2028.