BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: CHECKING THE GIRLS!
Welcome October, fall is finally here! It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! A global annual campaign involving a huge number of different organisations who highlight the importance of Breast Cancer.
With Breast Cancer being one of the common types of cancer, it's super important to make sure you check the girls regularly and look out for any bizarre or worrying lumps and unusual changes in how they feel and look. It's not just checking the breast, it's the area around your breast, such as your armpits up to your collar bone.
This little guide via BreastCancer.org is brilliant for carrying our your breast exam, it's not just a straight firm feel of your breast area, you need to do a thorough check lying down and with your arms up!
I will re-iterate just how important this is, having known someone who was recently diagnosed, ignored a lump for over 1 year, until symptoms appeared!
The UK's NHS website also has a gem of info if you notice any of the following changes:
- "a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling
- a new lump, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that is different from the same area on the other side
- nipple discharge that's not milky
- bleeding from your nipple
- a moist, red area on your nipple that doesn't heal easily
- any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
- a rash on or around your nipple
- any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's a new pain and doesn't go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)".
If you do happen to notices any changes, it's best to contact your GP/Doctor ASAP! The sooner the better darlings.
Bear in mind that every month, some changes are to expected, such as during your period and other times changes in your breast will occur when you've gone through puberty/adolescence.
We find that a good time to carryout all your health checks, if you do it annually, is near or around your birthday, so you don't forget. Your breasts should always be checked regularly!
