Keeping our bodies healthy is a priority for most of us, but do you think much about your breast health?
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and they’ll change throughout your life, as both their look and feel will be affected by menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, age and weight. The important thing is to become familiar with what’s normal for your breasts, so that you’ll hopefully detect any changes early on.
We’d love you to take just a couple of minutes to read this important information on breast health from the website of Breast Cancer Network Awareness. It could save your life:
“Early detection can boost your chances of surviving breast cancer. Many women have no signs or symptoms. However, some women do and there are things you can look out for.
Being 'breast aware' means becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts and reporting any unusual breast changes to your doctor as soon as possible.
BREAST AWARENESS
Self-examination
Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts for any changes. 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. 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.
When you check your breasts, try to be aware of any changes that are different for you.
Know what to look for
“I felt a lump,” is a common phrase for those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, but there are many other symptoms or warning signs to watch for:
- a new lump in your breast or underarm (armpit)
- thickening or swelling of part of your breast
- irritation or dimpling of your breast skin
- redness or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast
- pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area
- nipple discharge other than breast milk
- any change in the size or the shape of your breast
- pain in any area of your breast
Don’t delay
Most breast changes are not likely to be breast cancer. However, if you find a change in your breast that’s unusual for you, see your doctor without delay.
There are more than 500 screening locations around Australia, including permanent screening clinics, assessment clinics and mobile units. You can attend any screening clinic that is convenient. Make an appointment by calling 13 20 50.
For more information visit your doctor or go to: https://www.bcna.org.au/breast-health-awareness/
Work towards a healthy lifestyle
It's hard to be good all the time, but strive towards looking and feeling great by maintaining a healthy lifestyle:
- Have a good night's sleep (in BJ's PJ's)
- Be active
- Eat well
- Reduce your alcohol intake
- Quit smoking.
To help you, we’ve designed stylish, all cotton loungewear/pyjamas that provide you with comfy built-in breast support – no more wires, pinching, discomfort or irritation that causes restlessness whilst trying to sleep.
With love, BJ xxx
Information source:
Breast Cancer Network Australia. Breast Health and Awareness. 27 November 2018. https://www.bcna.org.au/breast-health-awareness/