Life of Riley Blog

Every October, the world turns pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month - raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting those affected by breast cancer. It’s more than a month on the calendar - it’s a reminder to take charge of your health and make self-care a priority. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with more than 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year. Sadly, in 2022, it claimed over 670,000 lives annually - but here’s the good news: when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable.  That’s why awareness matters. And one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is simple - by getting to know your boobs. Why Self-Checks Matter: Self-checks aren’t about fear - they’re about empowerment. Understanding how your breasts normally look and feel helps you recognise when something changes. You don’t need to wait for your annual screening to take action. By making self-checks a regular habit, you’re giving yourself the gift of early awareness, which can make a lifesaving difference. Here's a Breakdown On How To Check Your Boobs:  It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it in the shower, in front of a mirror, or lying down - whatever feels most comfortable for you.Step 1: Get Comfortable Place one hand behind your head. With the other, use the pads of your fingers to gently move in small, circular motions around your entire breast and chest area. Make sure to check from your collarbone down to below your breast, and from the centre of your chest to your armpit. Step 2: Use Different Pressures: Use a combination of light, medium, and firm pressure as you move around each breast.  Light pressure: feels the tissue just beneath your skin. Medium pressure: checks the middle tissue Firm pressure: allows you to feel deep tissue near your chest wall  Don’t forget your armpit area - breast tissue extends there too! Step 3: Look in the Mirror: Visual checks are just as important as feeling.Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, then lift them above your head.Look for any changes in shape, size, or colour, and notice if there’s swelling, dimpling, or skin puckering:  If you notice any of these, don’t panic - many are caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions. But it’s always worth getting checked for peace of mind and prevention. Step 4: Repeat Monthly Try to check your boobs once a month, ideally at the same point in your menstrual cycle.If you no longer have periods, pick a consistent day each month (like the first) so it becomes routine. Your breasts naturally change throughout your cycle due to hormones - so tracking them regularly helps you understand what’s normal for you.   Final Thoughts 💗 Checking your boobs isn’t just about finding something wrong - it’s about staying connected with your body and prioritising your health. It’s a small act that carries a big message: You care about yourself, your future, and your wellbeing. So this October - and every month - take five minutes to check your boobs.Because early detection is the best protection, and awareness is where it begins 🍒 Resources and Support World Health Organisation National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Ireland Breast Cancer Ireland Breast Cancer UK NHS How to check your breasts Cancer Research UK