So back in August I found a lump in my armpit. It was the main reason I was so anxious and stressed throughout the month. At the beginning of September I had an ultrasound and it's all fine, in fact it's just a bone and the rest of my tissue is normal. I can't tell you how relieved I was. I cried in the specialists room when she told me.
However, October is Breast Cancer awareness month I thought I'd talk about the importance of knowing your own body and checking your breasts regularly.
Thousands of women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. One of the keys to breast cancer prevention is body awareness. It's so, so important to know how your boobs feel so you notice any changes in how they feel or look.
If you check your breasts thoroughly at the same time every month you should notice any changes. Any lumps in the breast tissue, up to the collar bone and into the armpit, changes is size or shape, changes in your nipples and any unresolved rashes are all things you should go to the doctor about as soon as possible. Never write your symptoms off for any reason or think you're wasting a doctors time. It's important to get anything checked if you're concerned about it as it could save your life.
The majority of lumps are benign, cysts, fatty tissue or bone in my case, but sometimes they're not and the finding cancer early makes treating it easier and more likely to be successful.
Don't let the doctor write you off because you're young. If you're concerned your doctor isn't taking you seriously ask for a second opinion.
The thought of going to the doctor and then getting referred for a scan is scary, I know. But it is better to be 100% sure than left with doubts. After being scanned and being told my tissue is normal I felt so much better in myself and have gone back to checking my boobs once maybe twice a month from nearly everyday before I had my scan. It's terrifying not knowing what you're going to be told but it is always best to get things checked if you're not sure about something or if something has changed.
I would really recommend checking out CoppaFeel. They're a great charity making they're mission to ensure women check they're boobs regularly. They've got some great information on their website and will also send you monthly reminders to check your boobs which I'd recommend if you tend to be a bit forgetful.
As this is breast cancer awareness month I'd really love you to share this post and spread the word about boob checking. Share Coppa Feel's page as well and make sure you tell all your girl friends to check their boobs!
Until next time,
