"Become familiar with the size of your breasts and nipples," say Dr Fraser. "Be aware of the texture your breasts have. While showering use soap to feel for lumps, thickening or changes. They should always feel the same - you shouldn't suddenly have one breast bigger on one side."

Dr Fraser says it's also important to remember that our breasts are usually lumpy in the lead up to our periods: "This is hormonal and nothing to worry about. But if you find something suspicious that persists through one menstrual cycle and into the next one, have it checked out."

Breast cancer doesn't always present as a lump, it can come in different forms. "Sometimes, the patient might just have a sensation," she explains. As well as in lump form, cancer can also manifest as nipple discharge [if there is blood present], redness, a rash or anything that looks like an infection."

A cancerous lump, she says is hard like a a rock. "It's a different texture to lumpy breasts. Your fingers will tell you it feels firmer. You'll normally be able to feel a lump when it gets to one or one-and-a-half centimeters in size."