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How to check your breasts after Lucy Davis reveals terminal cancer diagnosis

Michelle RobertsDigital health editor
News imageBBC Actors Ricky Gervais as David Brent, Lucy Davis as Dawn and Martin Freeman as Tim in The OfficeBBC
Left to right: Ricky Gervais as David Brent, Lucy Davis as Dawn and Martin Freeman as Tim in The Office

Actress Lucy Davis, who played Dawn Tinsley in the original UK version of the popular TV series The Office, has revealed she has incurable breast cancer.

On Instagram, the 53-year-old said it had spread to her bones and it was too late for chemo.

She added: "The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny."

So what are the signs of breast cancer and how can you check yourself at home?

What to look for

The NHS says to check your breasts or chest about once a month.

That helps you learn what looks and feels normal for you, making it easier to notice any abnormal changes.

Breasts can naturally look and feel a bit different at different phases of your menstrual cycle, and change a bit as you age.

Instead, pay attention to:

  • a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
  • a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) or redness, which may be harder to see on black or brown skin
  • a change in size or shape of one or both breasts, or either side of your chest – it's common for breasts to be different sizes, but check for any changes that are not normal for you
  • nipple discharge (if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
  • a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash appearing on it (it may look like eczema)
  • sores or ulcers on your chest

How to check your breasts

Look at your breasts or chest in a mirror to look for any changes. Start with your arms by your sides and then raise them up.

Feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit. Use a mix of light and firmer pressure. Do not press so hard it hurts.

Feel around and over each nipple.

When should I see a doctor?

See your GP if:

  • you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
  • you have any changes in your breasts, chest or nipples that are not normal for you
  • you have pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away