{"id":2458,"date":"2022-09-29T10:13:10","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T10:13:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/5c94728ac9.nxcli.io\/en\/?p=2458"},"modified":"2022-09-29T10:20:26","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T10:20:26","slug":"breast-cancer-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.femfresh.eu\/en\/expert-advice\/breast-cancer-awareness\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast Cancer Awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Breast Cancer Awareness <\/h1>
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Over the next month you are bound to see lots of educational content for Breast Cancer Awareness Month \u0192(BCAM) across social media. It\u2019s so important that we talk about our breasts every single<\/em> month because unfortunately, 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer, but knowing the signs and picking it up early is key to saving lives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

How to check?<\/strong>
\nChecking your breasts should involve 2 things: looking and feeling.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Look:<\/em><\/strong> Stand in front of a mirror and have a look at your breast looking for any changes in size, outline, shape and skin changes (such as puckering or dimpling of the skin). Most breasts are slightly asymmetrical (sisters not twins!) but if you notice any new differences it\u2019s time to go to your doctor for a second opinion. Look in 3 positions: with your hands by your side, on your hips pushing your breasts forward and behind your head.<\/p>\n

It can feel a little awkward looking at yourself in the mirror in this way, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. It can actually become empowering <\/em>knowing you are taking control, getting to know your own body and taking action if you notice any changes!<\/p>\n

Feel<\/em><\/strong>:<\/em> Next feel each breast in turn, divide the breast into 4 quadrants and have a good firm press with your hands. Make sure you feel behind the nipple and all the way up to the collarbone and into the armpit as breast tissue extends all the way up there!<\/p>\n

A good time to remember to check is whilst you\u2019re in the shower, feeling each breast whilst washing your body. This is also a good opportunity to show your wider female health some TLC with the new\u00a0<\/em>Femfresh Foam Washes<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0They have a gentle foam texture and are pH and microbiome balanced so you can use it on your intimate area. They contain gentle and 97% natural ingredients, including natural prebiotics.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

So what should you be checking for?<\/strong>
\nAny new lumps or thickening in breast or armpit<\/em>\u2013 more often than not, a lump is not cancerous. Women can get lumpy breast tissue throughout the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes or harmless cysts. If you do feel a lump, it\u2019s probably nothing serious \u2013 bit it is important to always go to a doctor to get any lump checked out.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a misconception that the only sign of breast cancer is a breast lump<\/strong>. Whilst it\u2019s important to feel the breast tissue for lumps and bumps, there are other signs to be aware of too.<\/p>\n

Nipple changes<\/em> \u2013 If you notice any changes to the nipple such as inversion, discharge, bleeding, crusting \u2013 it\u2019s time to get checked out!<\/p>\n

Skin changes<\/em> \u2013 Have you noticed any changes to the skin on the breast? Perhaps a rash or some puckering or dimpling of the skin?<\/p>\n

Asymmetry<\/em> \u2013 whilst breasts are supoosed to be sisters not twins and often one breast is larger than the other \u2013 look for changes in your own normal.<\/em><\/p>\n

Pain or tenderess \u2013 \u00a0<\/strong><\/em>this is an uncommon sign of cancer, but it may indicate something is not quite right. So if you\u2019re experiencing unusual breast pain then speak to your doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

How often should you check?<\/strong>
\nChecking your breasts once a month is adequate. Breast tissue can change during your menstrual cycle and can change in density and lumpiness at different points in your cycle due to hormonal changes, and throughout your life. Getting to know the natural pattern of changes will help you to detect anything unusual quickly. Try and check at the same time each month so you get used to what\u2019s normal for you e.g., first day of your period each month (if you have them).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Who should check?<\/strong>
\nEveryone with breast tissue! Women, Men, non-binary individuals. Breast cancer can affect any age or gender.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

So, you noticed something abnormal?<\/strong>
\nDon\u2019t panic<\/u><\/strong>. Most breast lumps or changes are not due to cancer. Our breast tissue can change due to hormonal fluctuations and its normal for your breasts to change over time. But if you have noticed something is different then get in touch with your doctor to get checked out.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

Dr Frankie\u2019s Takeaway Top tips<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. Get to know your own body. No one knows your own body quite like you, so take control and feel empowered during your check, knowing you are taking control of your health<\/li>\n
  2. Make it part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.<\/li>\n
  3. Be confident – if something doesn\u2019t seem right then go to your doctor for a second opinion. If you are not reassured, ask for another opinion.<\/li>\n
  4. Spread the word. Sometimes we get awkward talking about boobs, but it\u2019s important to have these conversations with your mums, aunties, sisters and friends \u2013 reminding them to check their breasts really could save a life<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Remember, your breasts are unique and different to everyone else\u2019s. No one knows your body quite like you do. Read up, learn the signs, spread the word, and if in any doubt \u2013 get checked out!<\/p>\n

    Dr Frankie<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>

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