Breast Awareness Month

Boobs, bosoms, breasts, however you prefer to refer to them, they define our shape, play a role in our sexuality and nurture our children. 

October's Breast Awareness Month is run by Breast Cancer Care and aims to raise vital funds for its services and spread the breast awareness message.

There is evidence that breastfeeding for more than five months in total (one or more babies) can reduce a women’s risk of breast cancer, compared to women who do not breastfeed.  It also shows that the longer a women breastfeeds, the greater the protection.

There are other ways of decreasing your risk of developing breast cancer, such as maintaining a healthy weight and staying within the recommended guidelines for drinking alcohol. Whilst most cases of breast cancer (81%) appear in women over the age of 50, there are no guarantees and it can hit any woman at any stage of her life, so it’s important to stay breast aware and to know what’s normal for your breasts.

There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly. You can do this in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion, or when you get dressed. There’s really no need to change your everyday routine. Just decide what you are comfortable with and what suits you best.

Remember to check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.

The breast awareness 5-point code

1.       You should know what is normal for you.

2.       Know what changes to look for – changes in size or shape, an inverted nipple, pain in your breast or armpit, a pain in your armpit, a lump that feels different to the breast tissue, a rash on the skin or / on the nipple and discharge from one or both nipples.

3.       Look and feel.

4.       Tell your GP about any changes straight away.

5.       Go for breast screening when invited.

For further information visit http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/