Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Ignore the Signs. Make Your Health Checks a Priority.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and while you’ll see plenty of pink throughout the month, there’s an important message behind it:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important opportunity to encourage women to be breast aware, but it can also be a reminder for all of us to pay attention to our bodies and stay on top of our health.
Cancer can affect anyone, and while different cancers have different symptoms and screening recommendations, knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognise when something has changed.
Start with breast awareness
You don’t need a complicated routine or special technique to be breast aware. Cancer Australia recommends becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you’re more likely to notice an unusual change.
Changes worth speaking to your GP about include a new lump or lumpiness, changes in the size or shape of a breast, nipple changes or discharge, skin redness or dimpling, or unusual pain that doesn’t go away. Most breast changes are not caused by cancer, but unusual changes should still be checked by a doctor.
And breast awareness isn’t only relevant to women. Men can develop breast cancer too and should speak to their GP if they notice an unusual breast change.
For women eligible for BreastScreen Australia, screening is another important part of early detection. Women aged 50-74 are invited for a free mammogram every two years, while women over 40 can also access free mammograms every two years through the program.
When did you last really look at your skin?
Living in Australia means skin awareness should also be part of the conversation.
Get to know the spots, freckles and moles on your body, including areas that aren't regularly exposed to the sun. Keep an eye out for a new spot, something that looks different from your other spots, changes in size, shape, colour or texture, or a sore that doesn't heal.
If you’re seeing changes or concerns, book an appointment with your doctor rather than waiting to see what happens. You can also discuss your individual skin cancer risk and whether professional skin checks are appropriate for you.
Lumps, bumps and other changes shouldn't be ignored
Cancer doesn't always present as a lump, and many symptoms associated with cancer are much more commonly caused by other conditions. But persistent or unusual changes deserve attention.
A new or persistent lump or swelling anywhere on the body, unexplained bleeding, changes in bowel habits, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss or other changes that aren't normal for you are all reasons to speak with your GP.
The message isn't to assume the worst. It's to get the answer.
It can be tempting to put something off because you're busy, because it doesn't hurt, or because you don't want to make a fuss. But if you've noticed something unusual or persistent, make the appointment.
Make October your reminder
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone in the Padbury community, regardless of gender, to use October as a reminder to check in with their health.
Know what's normal for your breasts and body. Take a good look at your skin. Keep up with the cancer screening programs that are appropriate for you. And if you've noticed a lump, spot, symptom or change you've been meaning to ask someone about, don't keep putting it off.
Early detection can make a significant difference in some cancers, and Australia has national screening programs for breast, cervical and bowel cancer, as well as lung cancer screening for eligible people.
A conversation today could make a difference
Your local pharmacist can help with general health information and point you towards appropriate services, but unusual lumps, changing spots and possible cancer symptoms need to be assessed by a doctor.
So consider this your reminder: check yourself, check in with the people you love, and book that appointment you've been putting off.
From all of us at Padbury Pharmacy, look after yourself and each other this October.
Sources:
Health, Disability and Ageing Department