Have you felt yourself today ?

One of the reasons I am blogging about my breast cancer journey is to raise and spread awareness. I know that reminding people to check their breasts could save their life.

It is healthy habit that should be as much a part of your daily routine, like showering, dressing and looking in the mirror. 

You don't need to wait for a special day, check your breasts wherever and whenever works for you but do it regularly. A minimum of monthly is recommended.


I was always a little Breast Aware but even so I was slack and hap hazard about checking.
I wasn't aware of all the changes to look for ...it isn't just a lump.

Most breast changes aren’t due to cancer - but if you find a change that is unusual for you, see your GP to make sure.

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - though my breasts were always lumpy. I found this website which tell you what to look for

A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast. A change in the size or shape of your breast. A change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion. A nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling. An unusual pain that doesn't go away.

I had 2-3 symptoms at diagnosis - pain, discharge on squeezing (because I had pain) and my breasts were always kind of lumpy. I did see my GP immediately, both times I had nipple discharge. May 2011 it wasn't breast cancer (that I know).

How do you reduce your risks ? 

I had no family history .
I breast fed for over 4 yrs .
I have never been overweight.
I'm active and I've had a reasonably healthy diet with only a little alcohol consumption.

How do you calculate your risk based on evidence ?
Calculator

 I didn't know that an inherited faulty gene only accounts for 5% of all breast cancers. Even then breast cancer is so common that it need not be a faulty inherited gene that causes BC within the same family.

I thought it couldn't happen to me , though I've had several mammograms and ultrasounds despite that misguided belief...just for reassurance.


So have you felt yourself today ...you can never be too busy !


Cheeky checkups is a campaign aimed at younger women because mammograms and ultrasounds are apparently less effective at detecting breast cancer -   https://www.facebook.com/NBOCCCheekyCheckUp


Like further information, visit www.nbocc.org.au/resources
This not a sponsored post I am just continuing in my quest to remind everyone how important it is.

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