Fewer Women Are Checking for Breast Cancer — Here’s Why

A growing number of women in the UK are failing to regularly check their breasts for signs of cancer, a new poll by Breast Cancer Now warns — and the charity says the trend must be reversed urgently.

In its most recent YouGov-commissioned survey, Breast Cancer Now reports that 44 per cent of women say they do not check their breasts regularly for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. It also found that 1 in 10 (10 per cent) women have never checked their breasts.

Manveet Basra, Associate Director, Public Health, Inclusion and Awareness at Breast Cancer Now, said:

“It’s deeply concerning that over 2 in 5 women in the UK aren’t regularly checking their breasts, and that only half of UK women (52 %) are reporting a possible sign or symptom of breast cancer to a GP in the first instance.”

She added: “With the most notable barrier to women regularly breast checking being that they forget, we’re reminding women to get it back on their agenda. Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes and there's no right way to check, as long as you’re doing it regularly.”

Image: Coppafeel

What the Poll Shows: Barriers and Confidence

The survey also examined what stops women from checking more often. Among the reasons given: forgetting to check, not having formed a habit, lacking confidence in how to check, and uncertainty over what to look for.

Of those who do check, about 31 per cent (close to one in three) said they are not confident they would notice a change.

Moreover, the poll revealed a gap in action: only 52 per cent of women said they would inform a GP first if they noticed a new or unusual breast change.

Image: Dr Prevents

Why This Matters

Breast Cancer Now stresses that around two thirds of breast cancers in England are identified when women detect a change and seek medical review. The charity argues that earlier detection improves outcomes, making regular self-checking a key component in the fight against breast cancer.

A Call to Action

Basra’s remarks make clear the charity’s aim: to reinvigorate public awareness of breast checking and empower women to “know their normal.” With forgetfulness cited as a leading barrier, Breast Cancer Now is urging women to integrate breast checking into everyday routines, such as while dressing or showering — emphasising that there is no single “correct” method, only consistency.

The charity’s messaging holds that, so long as women check regularly, even simple awareness can lead to earlier detection and potentially save lives.