Breast cancer awareness month - getting to know your boobs!
- emily31355
- Oct 6, 2022
- 4 min read
What you need to know about breast cancer
With over 55,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it's an important topic that should be discussed at every available opportunity. It is breast cancer awareness month throughout October, and it has never been a better time to make sure you know everything you need to know about your boobs and breast cancer, including how to check your breasts at home and what to do if you notice any signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Starting in the breast tissue, breast cancer starts with cells that start to grow in an uncontrolled and unusual way. The most common place for breast cancer to start is in the ducts, however, it can start in any part of the breast. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump, but this is not the only symptom, and it doesn't always begin with a lump. Over 80% of breast cancers occur in women over 50, and the older you are, the higher your risk is.
There is no one cause of breast cancer, but rather it is caused by a combination of our genes, environment and the lifestyle we lead. The earlier it is caught, the better the prognosis can be, so check your boobs regularly and report anything unusual to your GP right away.
The signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Do you know what the signs and symptoms of breast cancer are, as opposed to regular changes in your breasts? Take a look at the signs and symptoms below so you can complete a mental check each time you check your boobs.
Signs and symptoms
Changes to your skin - check your skin texture for puckering or dimpling. It may feel or look like orange peel.
Changes in size and shape - have you noticed your breasts change in size or shape? Do your breasts look different to normal? Maybe only one side has changed? This is often best checked in a mirror.
Swelling in your armpits or around your collarbone - swelling could be a sign of cancer in the breast tissue within your armpit.
Lumps - whilst some boobs are naturally lumpy; others are not. The key is to know how your breasts are normally so you can tell the difference. If you notice any new lumps appear, this could be a sign of cancer.
Thickness - does one area of your breast feel thicker than the rest? If the skin or tissue feels slightly thicker, get this reported to your GP.
Pain - do you have any new pain in any area of your breast? Some women may get tender boobs during their menstrual cycle, but if the pain is different or you have not had pain before, it is worth getting it checked.
Nipple discharge - have you noticed any leakage from your nipples that isn't breast milk? The discharge could be the colour of breast milk, but it may also be blood or darker in colour.
Get to know your boobs!
How do you know what to look for in your boobs? Let's start with how to check your breasts. Follow our quick guide below to complete a home check of your breasts whenever you get an opportunity - in the shower, when you are getting ready or whilst you are waiting for the kettle to boil!
Checking your boobs correctly
Start with your left hand. Move your fingers around your right breast, covering the entire area and your armpit.
Use light, medium and firm pressure
Squeeze your nipple, checking for discharge and any lumps
Repeat this on your left breast and armpit
According to the NHS, there is no right or wrong way to check your boobs, however, you should have a good understanding of how they normally look and feel. When you are checking your breasts, ensure you are covering every part, so you don't miss any lumps, bumps or changes. By knowing what's normal, you will then easily identify any changes that are unusual.
It is normal for your boobs to feel different at different times of the month, and they will change as you get older. Changes may happen during your menstrual cycle, and once a woman has gone through menopause, their breasts are likely to be softer and less firm.
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Sue de Souza Bras helps you love your boobs
Whether you are a breast cancer survivor, you have lost a family member to breast cancer, or you are just looking to become more aware, we recommend you regularly check your breasts and armpits to give yourself a much better chance of catching breast cancer early enough for something to be done.
At Sue de Souza Bras, we design and create beautiful and comfortable bras to help our customers stay comfortable all day, whether they are going through treatment or just regularly checking their boobs.
During breast cancer awareness month, we encourage all of you to take the time to check your breasts. Tell your female friends, family members and colleagues about the benefits of checking, and if you notice something unusual, don't ignore it!
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