Two in three women not checking for breast cancer 'don't know what to look for'

Two-thirds of women are failing to regularly check themselves for signs ofbreast cancer, either because they forget or don't know what to look for. Alarmingly, 13 per cent of all women aren't checking their breasts at all, with only a fifth being aware of the signs and symptoms.

Women are advised to examine their breasts at least once a month for any unusual changes in shape or appearance, or the formation of any lumps – all potential signs of breast cancer. However, a study of 2,000 women revealed that only 36 per cent of those who do so actually check their breasts monthly.

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

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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 of women have not sought advice from a healthcare professional despite being worried about signs or symptoms of breast cancer.

Interestingly, it was found that women aged 18-29 were the most comfortable discussing their concerns about breast health with family or loved ones, more so than any other age group.

However, a third of women reckon that having access to clear, easy-to-follow demonstrations on how to perform self-checks would encourage them to do so more often.

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

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

While these communities still have some of the lowest self-check rates, the 2025 study shows an improvement in self-checking habits.

In 2022, fewer than seven out of ten women under 40 were only checking every two months or less, but this has now improved 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 campaign ambassadors, 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."