Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder to pay attention to your breast health. October provides an opportunity to learn about breast cancer, understand possible warning signs and encourage the people around us to take their health seriously.

Breast cancer does not always present in the same way. Some people may notice a lump, while others may experience changes to the skin, nipple or shape of the breast.

Knowing what is normal for your body can help you recognise when something has changed.

Why Knowing Your Body Matters

Every woman’s breasts are different.

Breast size, shape and appearance can vary naturally, and breasts can change throughout life because of factors such as hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding and ageing.

Being breast aware does not mean constantly checking for cancer or worrying about every small change.

Instead, it means becoming familiar with what is normal for you.

If something appears or feels different and does not seem normal, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Common Breast Cancer Warning Signs

There are several changes that should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

These can include:

• A new lump in the breast
• Thickening in part of the breast
• A lump or swelling in the armpit
• A change in the size or shape of a breast
• Changes to the skin
• Dimpling or puckering
• Redness or unusual skin changes
• Changes to the nipple
• A nipple becoming newly inverted
• Unusual discharge from the nipple
• Changes that persist or become worse

It is important to remember that experiencing one of these symptoms does not automatically mean you have breast cancer.

Many breast changes are caused by conditions that are not cancerous.

The important thing is to have unusual changes assessed rather than trying to diagnose yourself.

A Lump Does Not Always Mean Cancer

Finding a lump can be frightening.

However, breast lumps can have many different causes, including benign conditions.

This is why it is important not to panic if you discover a lump.

Instead, arrange an appointment with a doctor or healthcare professional who can examine the area and decide whether further investigation is necessary.

The sooner you seek professional advice, the sooner you can understand what is causing the change.

Do Not Ignore Changes Because You Feel Healthy

One of the challenges with breast cancer is that a person may feel completely well.

Some breast cancers may not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages.

This is why appropriate screening and medical assessment are important.

Screening recommendations can depend on factors such as age, personal history and individual risk.

Speak to your healthcare professional about what breast screening is appropriate for you.

What If You Notice Something?

If you notice a change in your breast, try not to immediately assume the worst.

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional and explain exactly what you have noticed.

It can be helpful to write down when you first noticed the change and whether it has changed over time.

Your doctor may perform a physical examination and, depending on the circumstances, recommend further tests or imaging.

Getting checked does not mean that you have cancer.

It means that you are taking your health seriously.

Breast Health Should Not Be a Once a Year Conversation

Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October, but breast health should not only be considered during October.

Paying attention to your health should be part of your normal routine throughout the year.

Use October as a reminder to have conversations with your mother, sisters, daughters, friends and colleagues.

Encourage the women in your life to understand their personal health history and speak to healthcare professionals about appropriate screening.

The Emotional Impact of Breast Health Concerns

Waiting for medical tests or results can create significant anxiety.

It is completely understandable to feel worried when you notice something unusual.

Try to avoid spending hours searching the internet for possible diagnoses. Online information can sometimes increase fear without giving you a clear answer about your individual situation.

Instead, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

If health anxiety becomes overwhelming or begins affecting your daily life, emotional support may also be helpful.

Supporting Someone Who Has Found a Breast Change

If someone you care about discovers a breast change, encourage them to seek medical advice rather than ignoring it.

You can offer to accompany them to an appointment or simply be available to talk.

Try not to dismiss their concerns by saying, “It is probably nothing.”

Even when a change turns out to be harmless, the person deserves to have their concerns taken seriously.

AC Wellness and Emotional Wellbeing

At AC Wellness, we understand that physical health concerns can have a significant effect on emotional wellbeing.

People experiencing anxiety, depression, stress or difficulty coping can benefit from professional mental health support.

While breast cancer diagnosis and treatment require care from appropriate medical specialists, emotional support can help individuals manage the psychological challenges that may accompany a serious health concern.

Looking after your mental health is an important part of looking after yourself.

Take Action This October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink.

It is about education, awareness and action.

Know what is normal for you.

Do not ignore unusual changes.

Speak to a healthcare professional when you are concerned.

Encourage the women around you to do the same.

Your health is worth paying attention to. If something changes, don’t ignore it. Get it checked.