October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Something we’re probably all familiar with, but do you know the actual statistics around breast cancer?
Breast cancer is often associated with older women, but breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women aged 25-29 (Cancer Research UK).
A study commissioned by ‘Breast Cancer Now’ found that 47% of people don’t check their breasts regularly for potential signs of breast cancer, and 10% said they had never checked for changes.
‘CoppaFeel!’ found that 24% of young people said they didn’t think that breast cancer is something that could affect them.
After the tragic death of Sarah Harding – the Girls Aloud singer who died of breast cancer in 2021, aged 39 – the conversation around breast cancer needs to shift.
Rather than promoting panic, we need to normalise checking our boobs regularly and getting to ‘know our normal’. Here are some top tips for checking your boobs and understanding regular hormonal changes vs something more unusual.
Be breast aware
All boobs are different – they’re different shapes, sizes and consistencies. can be soft, firm or lumpy, and one can be bigger than the other. That’s why it’s so important to know what’s normal for you, so you can spot any changes easily.
How often should you check your boobs?
There’s no specific number of how regular you should be checking, however CoppaFeel! say you should check yourself once a month.
It’s important to get to know your boobs at different times of the month too. Boobs can change during your menstrual cycle, so they may feel tender at some times, more lumpy at others. After the menopause, boobs can feel softer and not as lumpy.
By looking and feeling your boobs regularly, you’ll start to recognise their quirks and how they change naturally throughout the month.
How to check your boobs?
Examining your boobs is quick and easy. It’s good to do in the shower or bath – you can run a soapy hand over each boob, right up to your collarbone and under each armpit.
You can also look at your boobs in the mirror, with your arms by your side and then with your arms raised.
What to look and feel for
When checking your boobs, there are a few things to look and feel for:
- Changes to the size, outline or shape
- Changes to the look or feel of your skin, like puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- A new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpiness that was not there before
- Discharge or fluid from your nipples
- Changes in your nipple position, like it’s being pulled in or pointing differently
- A rash, rusting, itchiness or redness on or around your nipple
Any pain in your boobs, particularly if it’s a new pain or doesn’t go away (this is a rare symptom but always worth investigating).
When to talk to your GP
If you have any worries about changes to your boobs, make an appointment to speak to your GP. There’s nothing too small to discuss with your doctor.
Breast changes can happen for many reasons, and most of them are not serious. Breast lumps are very common and most are not cancerous, but it’s always worth getting any changes or worries checked out.
When it comes to breast cancer, understanding the risks is important for women of all ages and the power to spot it early is literally in your hands.
Caring for your breasts
Your health should always be a priority. Not only is it important to check your breasts regularly, there are also lifestyle factors that can help decrease your risk of cancer. Here, we’ve listed a few things to consider to take care of yourself and your breasts.
Look after your skin
The skin on our breasts is delicate. Keep the skin moisturised, avoid drying soaps and remember to use sunscreen when exposed to the sun.
Exercise and eat well
A nutritional diet and regular physical activity may help prevent cancer and keep your breasts healthy. Ensure your diet contains fruit, vegetables and whole grain. Limit the amount of processed food and reduce your alcohol intake.
Wear the right bra
An unsupportive bra can cause problems such as back and neck pain. It can also cause premature breast sagging, as the lack of support causes the natural elasticity to loosen.
Has your bra seen better days? It’s recommended that you should replace your bra every year, as all bras lose their shape over time. Check you have the right bra size, and then browse our selection of beautiful bras to update your lingerie drawer.
For more information on getting to know your ‘normal’, check out the #KnowYourself campaign by CoppaFeel!
