October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s get serious for a minute and talk boobs. Yes, yours. You’re probably not checking them as often as you should, and you might not even be sure how to do it properly. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that.

First, let’s talk about why it matters. 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, which isn’t exactly the odds you’d want to gamble with. But, here’s the positive: when it’s caught early, the survival rate shoots up to over 90%. The earlier you catch it, the better the chances of treating it successfully.

And don’t think it’s just a women’s issue. Men, you’re not off the hook either. Even though it’s rare, about 1 in 100 breast cancer cases happen in men, so if you are a man, give your chest a good check every now and then too. The aim here isn’t to scare you but to empower you to take control of your health by checking your breasts regularly and catching anything unusual before it has the chance to develop into something more sinister.

Regular breast self-examinations are a proactive approach to breast health. While they do not replace professional screenings like mammograms, they enable you to get familiar with the look and feel of your breasts. By doing so, you are more likely to notice any unusual changes early, allowing you to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination: 

Let’s break this down. It’s a quick, easy process you can do at home, and it could save your life.

1. Find the Right Time to Check

First thing’s first, make sure you’re checking your breasts regularly. That doesn’t mean obsessively every day, but a solid once-a-month routine would do wonders. A good time to check for women is right after your period when your breasts are less likely to be swollen or tender. For women who are postmenopausal, selecting a specific day each month to perform your check helps create consistency. As for you fellas, any time’s a good time.

2. Visual Inspection in Front of a Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror and have a look. Look for any changes in size, shape, or symmetry. Got any dimples, lumps, or changes in your nipples? That’s what you want to be keeping an eye out for. Check for visible lumps or swelling, and take note of any changes to your nipples, such as retraction (turning inward) or unusual redness. 
Raise your arms above your head and observe your breasts from various angles, looking for the same signs. Lastly, while still in front of the mirror, press your hands on your hips and lean forward slightly. This can help reveal any distortions or irregularities that may not be visible when standing upright.

3. Physical Examination While Lying Down

Lie down, use the pads of your fingers, and start feeling in a circular motion, moving from the outer edges of your breast toward the nipple. Don’t forget to check under your armpit – there’s breast tissue there too. Use varying pressure to feel for anything unusual, whether it’s a lump, thickened area, or just something that feels “off.”
After completing the check on your right breast, switch to the left side by placing your left hand behind your head and using your right hand to examine your left breast. 

4. Check While Standing or Sitting

Many people find it easier to examine their breasts while standing in the shower because soapy skin allows for smoother movement of your fingers. While standing, repeat the same process used while lying down: make circular motions from the outside of the breast inward, and feel for any unusual changes. Again, make sure to check the entire breast, including the area up to the collarbone and under your armpit.

5. Nipple Check for Discharge

During your self-exam, gently squeeze each nipple to check for any unusual discharge. Discharge may appear clear, yellowish, or even bloody. While not all discharges are cause for concern, you should still consult your doctor if you notice any changes or fluid leakage.

6. Know What’s Normal for You

Here’s the thing- boobs can be weird. They can be lumpy, bumpy, and asymmetric, and that’s totally normal for many people. The key is getting familiar with what’s normal for you, so you can spot if something feels off. And don’t panic if you feel something strange; 80% of breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always worth getting them checked out.

So, you’ve felt something unusual- don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either. Get in touch with your GP. They’ll walk you through the next steps, which might involve an ultrasound or a biopsy if necessary.

Symptoms to Look Out For:

• A lump in the breast or underarm
• Thickening or swelling
• Skin dimpling or irritation
• Redness or flaky skin around the nipple
• Pain in any area of the breast

And for the men?

You might think breast cancer doesn’t apply to you, but trust me, it does. Just like women, men should be on the lookout for lumps or changes in their chest area. If something’s off, don’t hesitate to get it checked. Breast cancer in men is rare but real, and the same early detection principle applies.

Factors That Increase Your Risk:

• Age (it’s more common after 60)
• A family history of breast cancer
• Genetic mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Hormone imbalances from treatments, liver disease, or obesity

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only about encouraging self-examinations but also about supporting the millions of people affected by breast cancer every year. You can take part in local events, fundraisers, and awareness campaigns to support research and provide resources for those battling the disease. Organisations like Breast Cancer Now (https://breastcancernow.org) offer plenty of ways to get involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing important information with friends and family.

At novellus aesthetics, we’re big believers in taking charge of your health. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to start those regular self-checks and to encourage your loved ones to do the same. Early detection really does save lives, so let’s all do our part.

And remember, whether you’re male or female, young or old, it’s never a bad idea to give yourself a regular check-up. Trust us – your health is worth those few minutes.