Breast (checks) Is Best
- Jo Yates
- Mar 28, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 1
Breast cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Although it is more common in women over the age of 40, it is important to note that breast cancer can also affect younger women.
I made two friends in Chemo, both of them were in their late 30s / early 40s and were having treatment for breast cancer. Neither of them expected to have cancer, especially not that young.
This is why we should all be checking our breasts as part of our regular routine. Set a reminder in your phone, do it on the 1st of each month, add a reminder in your cycle tracking app, get your partner involved but make sure you start checking.
If you are my friend you will also be nagged.
Performing a monthly breast self-exam is a simple and effective way to detect any changes in your breast tissue. It is recommended that you perform this exam a few days after your period ends, as your breasts may be less tender and swollen during this time.
To perform a breast self-exam, start by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape, or contour of your breasts. Check for any dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin, and examine your nipples for any discharge or inversion.
Next, raise your arms above your head and look for the same changes. Then, place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to flex your chest muscles. This will help you see any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts.
Finally, lie down on your back and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Use your left hand to feel your right breast, using small circular motions with your fingertips. Start at the outer edge and work your way towards the nipple, checking for any lumps, thickening, or other changes. Repeat this process on your left breast.
If you notice any changes or abnormalities during your breast self-exam, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection is key when it comes to breast cancer, and the earlier it is detected, the better your chances of survival.
In addition to performing regular breast self-exams, it is also important to receive regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider. Women over the age of 40 are generally recommended to have a mammogram every one to two years (depending on your state or country), but women at higher risk of breast cancer may need to start screening earlier or have more frequent screenings.
Breast cancer is a serious & scary condition, it can affect women of all ages and even men. However, due to advances in medical treatment is is by no means a death sentence.
Early detection saves lives. By performing regular breast self-exams and receiving regular clinical breast exams and mammograms, you can help detect any changes in your breast tissue early on. After going through treatment for Ovarian cancer I am hypervigilant to any aches and pains, lumps and bumps in my body (hello cancer PTSD) and ensure I get everything checked if I'm seriously worried. I have also started yearly mammograms through the free service at Breast Screen Queensland.
This a a nationwide service so you have no excuse to not get checked.
Find out more & book an appointment at the links below:
Although I am only familiar with the Australian system information in other countries can be found using these links as a starting point:
If you find yourself needing to talk to someone after reading this article you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or The Cancer Council on 13 11 20
Shop To Help
FU Cancer Network is a passion project, but it comes with costs. Purchasing through the links below won’t cost you extra, but a small commission will help maintain the site and expand offerings. Not all products earn a commission, but if they do it helps me to keep this space alive for those who need it most.These are items I used myself, friends used or come highly recommended via other channels. I spent many hours researching what would help my skin, hair and mental health during treatment, you can benefit from that now and skip the research.
Some of these are thoughtful gifts to give to people you care about who are having treatment and some are to gift to yourself.
You'll probably notice there are some swearies in the titles of some books, because.... F cancer!
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What The F*ck Just Happened. A Survivor's Guide to Life After Breast CancerClick To Purchase | |
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Chemo P!ssed Me Off. A Breast Cancer Roadmap: Navigating with Faith, Gratitude, and a Little Bit of AttitudeClick To Purchase | F*** You Cancer: How to face the big C, live your life and still be yourselfClick To Purchase |
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The Cancer Ladies’ Running Club: The most emotional, uplifting and life-affirming novel of summer 2023 | |
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Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector. I messed up my skin (which you aren't going to do as you will ALWAYS wear sunscreen) and this cleared up the sunspots within a couple of weeks. I highly recommend for reducing blemishes & correcting skin tone and will continue to use it now I'm post chemo. | Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream helps repair damaged, dry, cracked, and non-oozing skin in 48 hours. Skin is immediately soothed after the first application, and the cutaneous barrier is restored. In fact, all the Avene Products are worth considering when you have delicate skin from chemo. |
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Cancer Council Daywear SPF 50+ Light Tint BB Cream As above you are going to wear sunscreen every single day from now on and this is a great option. I apply this after my moisturiser and know I'm heading out with 50+ protection on my delicate facial skin. If I'd been doing this from the start I wouldn't have needed the Clinique! Check out other cancer council products at the link below. | Hand Weights. Light weights for use when doing at home pilates If you are able to get to the gym maintaining muscle by using hand weights can be a simple way to workout at home.
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Yoga Mat with Alignment Lines. Anti-Slip. Beautiful yoga mat featuring alignment lines to assist you with the position of arms and legs. This helps with at home pilates or yoga by encouraging you to keep your body in balance with accurate posture for the best practice. | Activity Tracker As exercise can help you with your cancer treatment and recovery now might be a great time to invest in a fitness tracker if you haven't already. The Fitbit (or similar) is a great option which encourages mindfulness plus tracks exercise and sleep. |
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Menopause Supplements If you need help managing hot flushes due to medical menopause some of these supplements may help rebalance your hormones. As with any supplements do not take these without consulting with your oncology team. | |
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Satin Head Scarfs Play around with head scarves to see what styles and colours suit you. This style was great for me when I lost most of my hair. | UGG Slippers I was very lucky and only got a very small amount of neuropathy in my feet but I do feel the cold more now. During chemo I swapped my normal thongs around the house for Uggs to avoid the cold in my toes. It really does make a world of difference.
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Aromatherapy Diffusers A thoughtful gift for a loved one facing cancer is always welcomed. Diffusers offer a safe, convenient, and flame-free way to create a calming atmosphere. Gentle, long-lasting fragrances provide comfort and relaxation, making them a perfect gift for promoting peace and well-being. Click To Purchase | Rose Quartz Gifts Rose quartz is not only a beautiful gift for a loved one fighting cancer but some believe Rose quartz promotes love, healing, and emotional balance while reducing stress and anxiety with its calming energy—perfect for self-care and inner peace. There are a number of styles at the link below Click To Purchase |
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The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum for Hair Density This hair growth serum is is designed to support hair health so that it looks thicker, denser, fuller and healthier. Be aware that it contains caffeine to stimulate the follicles so keep this for when you have finished chemo as it can actually have the opposite effect you are going for if you use it whilst undergoing treatment. | Miracle Spray Hair Treatment I LOVE this product and was using it before chemo on recommendation from a friend. It is great to leave in after washing when you can't blow dry to help contain fluffiness from dried out chemo hair! |
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TOPPIK Hair Building Fibers Toppik Hair Building Fibers, are made of colored keratin protein and it blends with existing hair strands to instantly create the appearance of naturally thick, full hair. I used this when my bald spot was at it's worse and I didn't want to wear a wig. I was skeptical about this product but it is honestly amazing how it works. | Silk Pillow Cases Protect hair and skin during chemo with silk fabric pillowcases. During chemotherapy, silk pillowcases offer benefits like reduced friction, moisture retention, and a gentle surface for sensitive skin and hair, which can be particularly helpful during hair loss and regrowth.Perfect as a thoughtful gift for a loved one going through treatment Click To Purchase |
Support Resources
Cancer Council Australia
CCA an organisation to support all Australians affected by cancer through support, research and prevention programs.
Ovarian Cancer Australia
OCA is an independent national not-for-profit organisation, supporting women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Our focus is to provide care and support for those affected by ovarian cancer; and represent them by leading change. Our vision is to save lives and ensure no woman with ovarian cancer walks alone.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
BCNA Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is Australia’s leading breast cancer consumer organisation. We have worked tirelessly to ensure that all Australians who are affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support.
Bowel Cancer Australia
BCA Peer-to-Peer Support Network connects patient’s and loved ones on a one-to-one buddy basis that enables members to give and receive advice about their bowel cancer experience in an informal and mutually beneficial way.
Leukaemia Foundation
LF is a support service for patients and supporters dealing with blood cancers.
*FU Cancer is supported by its audience. If you choose to purchase through the links on our site we may receive an affiliate commission. This goes towards paying our expenses plus a percentage of our monthly profit goes towards directly helping people with cancer. If you know someone who could do with a boost during their cancer treatment please let us know here.
*FU Cancer is supported by its audience. If you choose to purchase through the links on our site we may receive an affiliate commission. This goes towards paying our expenses plus a percentage of our monthly profit goes towards directly helping people with cancer. If you know someone who could do with a boost during their cancer treatment please let us know here.
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