Only fifth of women aware of breast cancer signs and symptoms - what to look for

Two in three women aren't regularly checking themselves for signs of breast cancer - because they forget or don't know what they are looking for. Shockingly, 13 per cent of all women aren't checking their breasts at all, with only a fifth aware of the signs and symptoms.

It is recommended women examine their breasts at least once a month to look for any unusual changes to the shape or appearance, or any lumps that may have formed - all possible signs of breast cancer. But a study of 2,000 women revealed that of those doing so, only 36 per cent do it at least once a month.

The research was commissioned by Estée Lauder Companies' UK & Ireland for its Breast Cancer Campaign, which has teamed with Dr Zoe Williams to create an easy-to-follow self-check video to help encourage more women to check their breasts regularly.

Dr Zoe Williams said: "Getting to know how your breasts look and feel will help you know what is normal for you. Getting into the habit of regularly self-checking, around once per month, should be part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.

"Confidence in self-checking is a big barrier for many people, and that's something we need to address through more education, helping women and men feel more confident in being breast, and chest aware.

"Everyone should feel empowered to understand their own body, and that starts with knowing what to look out for and when to seek advice."

A quarter of those who've never checked their breasts haven't been taught or shown how to do so. Meanwhile, two thirds have not sought advice from a healthcare professional after being concerned over breast cancer signs or symptoms.

Women aged 18-29 were found to be the most comfortable talking about breast health concerns with family or loved ones over any other age group.

A third of women believe access to clear, easy-to-follow demonstrations on shelf-checking would encourage them to check more.

Four in ten believe teaching teenagers and young adults about the importance of self-checking should be made compulsory in schools and universities.

It follows a 2022 study, also by the cosmetics company, which found some of the lowest self-checking rates at the time were among women under 40, black women and South Asian women.

Although these communities still have some of the lowest self-check rates, the study from 2025 demonstrates improvement in self-checking.

Fewer than seven in 10 under 40s were only checking every two months or less in 2022, but this has now dropped for the better to 65 per cent. The number of black women not checking this often has also dropped from 76 per cent in 2022 to 56 per cent.

Pernilla Nyberg, general manager and senior vice president of Estée Lauder Companies UK&I, added: "The Breast Cancer Campaign has made great strides over the years.

"We are encouraged by the significant improvements we are seeing in awareness and prevention; however, our research highlights that there is still progress to be made in empowering all women to confidently perform regular breast self-checks.

"Together with our UK regional campaignambassadors, we remain deeply committed to our mission of ensuring that everyone is aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and feels confident advocating for their own breast health.

"We are proud to continue this vital work in partnership with our ambassadors, driving awareness and action across the UK."