Breast Cancer Awareness Month
By Carnal Queen
People in my life have been kicked with the cancer stick. To be honest, I think that we probably all know someone who’s been forced to face this vile disease head on. It’s horrific, it’s indiscriminate, and it tears through people lives with devastating consequences. As yet, there’s no known cure, so fundraising and raising awareness of different cancers is vital if we are ever to kick it to the kerb permanently.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it aims to educate, highlight research and raise awareness of what is sadly the most common form of cancer. This year it’s more important than ever, as 2020 has been an absolutely horrendous year, and Coronavirus has seen almost 1 million women miss their routine breast screening appointments. Self-checking and staying on top of any breast changes has never been more important; we’ve already lost too many people to the virus, we don’t need to hand any more to cancer if it can be avoided!
According to the NHS, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives. Also, around 350 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
It’s VITAL that we’re all checking ourselves regularly, so we are immediately aware of any changes that occur and can get them checked. Thankfully, most changes in the breasts will turn out to be harmless, but it’s important to get things checked out by your GP. If you do discover something bad, early diagnosis greatly increases the chances of beating cancer.
Give yourself some TLC …
TOUCH your breasts all over, feeling right up into the upper chest and armpits. Look for any lumps, swelling or dimpling.
LOOK closely at your reflection in the mirror for any visual changes.
CHECK with your GP as soon as possible if you discover anything unusual.
Any pain in the breast area or armpit that’s persistent should also be checked out quickly.
In addition to what’s in the above image, I also check myself whilst lying down every month too; it moves the breast tissue into a different position and gives you an even more in-depth knowledge of what’s normal for you.
CK is always really happy to be involved in the process, and I’m more than happy for him to get in there and have a good feel of things. I’ve not only got myself looking out for my boobs, I’ve got him too, and two pairs of hands and eyes is better than one in my opinion!
Get into a routine of self-checking, it’s the ultimate form of self-care. Having a good feel of yourself is totally normal and natural, and should be something we’re happy to openly talk about, to hopefully encourage others to keep an eye on their bodies too. It could literally end up saving a life!