Half of women are scared of breast cancer yet one in five cannot identify any signs or symptoms, according to a new poll.
The survey of more than 1,000 women, for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, also found 56% of women do not check their breasts regularly.
Of this group, 54% say they forget to check, 22% have never thought about it and 20% do not know what they are looking for. A total of 18% said they are unsure of the right technique for checking themselves.
Of those women who do examine their breasts, 45% are fairly confident they would notice a change, 11% are very confident but 15% are not at all confident.
Some 83% examine themselves for lumps but fewer than one in three (28%) check for a change in the size or shape of their breast, one of the possible signs of cancer. And only 5% check for signs of the nipple turning in when it does not usually.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer ambassador Bernie Nolan, who was successfully treated for the disease last year, said: "People assume finding a lump is the only way to spot breast cancer, but there are other vital signs women should be aware of.
"I noticed my breasts had changed shape and immediately went to see my doctor.
"I cannot stress enough how important it is to get to know your breasts so you can easily notice any unusual changes. I really want all women to learn about Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Touch Look Check message so they can be breast aware."
In a separate survey looking at fears of breast cancer, 84% of women said they would worry the possibility of the disease spreading to other parts of their body.
Some 83% would worry about not surviving, while 44% would fear the long-term effects of treatment and 34% would dread telling loved ones they have cancer.