This month we are supporting the Change and Check campaign and giving our logo a cheeky update. As part of this, we wanted to tell you all a little bit more about how this campaign started and why it’s so important. This campaign was set up by Helen Addis (also known as @thetittygritty), Features Editor for Lorraine ITV, after her own experience being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Through this amazing campaign, Helen aims to help more people know what to look out for in order to get an early diagnosis.
Helen was inspired to do this while in chemotherapy, and after speaking to family and friends she found out that most people she knew weren’t checking for breast cancer or didn’t know what to check for. Now cancer-free, Helen wants to make sure as many people as possible know what to look for and how often/when to check.
Along with this sticker (that you can download here), Dr Hilary has shared his step-by-step guide to checking your breasts – you can watch via their website and make a note of the steps below.
Visible changes in shape or size.
Skin changes such as; dimpling, puckering or rash around the nipple.
Lumps or bumps.
Bloody discharge from the nipple.
Sit comfortably in front of a mirror with hands on your hips so chest muscles are relaxed.
Firstly, look at the contour of the breast to check that it matches on each side and see if there is any puckering or dimpling.
Look for any change in the nipple such as a rash, indrawing or pulling in.
Look for any skin change all around the nipple.
Using the fingers of your left hand to examine the right breast, walk your middle three fingers around the breast. You’re feeling for any abnormal lumps or bumps or any irregularity that hasn’t been there before.
Divide the breast into four quarters.
Start on the inner upper quarter, walking those fingers around the breast.
Do the same on the lower inner quarter and then across to the lower right quarter and then the upper right quarter.
Walk fingers up to the tail of the breast in the armpit.
Walk your fingers back to the areola around the nipple.
Repeat steps above on the left breast, using your right hand to do so.
Dr Hilary advises that menstruating women check their breasts following their period each month. For menopausal and post-menopausal women, pick a date each month that suits you.
If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Early diagnosis could mean a better chance of successful treatment.
As part of our support of this campaign, you will find stickers and leaflets in our stores and parcels this month, that gives you all the Change and Check information you need.
As part of raising awareness, Change and Check climbed the O2 (Britain’s biggest boob) with 52 women including Lorraine Kelly and Sally Dynevo! To find out how you can raise awareness visit their website.
Change and Check website >
