October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every October. The aim of the BCAM is to shine a light on the devastating impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians each day.

Every year over 21,000 people in Australia (including around 200 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Every day 58 people in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Every year over 3,300 people in Australia (including 33 men) will die from breast cancer. That’s someone’s mother, sister, friend or family member whose life has been tragically cut short because of the disease.

Although the five-year survival rate has increased from 76% to 92% (and rising) since 1994 thanks to research, there is still progress to be made to stop deaths from breast cancer.

Early detection and diagnosis provide the best chance of survival. How do you check for breast cancer?

Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel through normal regular activities (such as showering, getting dressed, using body lotion or looking in the mirror). You don’t need to use a special technique, but ensure you look at and feel your breasts regularly. Make sure this includes all parts of your breast, your armpit and up to your collarbone.

If you feel a lump or thickening of a breast – get checked out immediately. If you notice any changes to the shape or size of one of your breasts, or the colour of one of your nipples – get it checked out by a health professional. See here for more symptoms of breast cancer.

More information can be found https://nbcf.org.au/ or https://www.bcna.org.au/

Or speak to your GP if you have any concerns