Boobs, Busts, and Beyond: What Your Girls Are Trying to Tell You

October isn’t just about spooky costumes and candy, it’s also Pink October, a global movement that’s been around since the 90s to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection through screening. So, what’s the best thing you can do for yourself this month.? Simple, get to know your girls (yes, your breasts) better.!

Ladies, how many of you can confidently say that you truly know your girls.? Unlike what’s often shown in advertisements, there’s no such thing as the “perfect” or “normal” breast. Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and even on the same person, one breast may be a different size or shape than the other. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of healthy breasts:

• Round: Evenly full on the top and bottom
• Teardrop: Fuller on the bottom than the top
• Asymmetrical: Uneven in size or shape
• Wide-set: Sitting farther apart on the ches
• Close-set: Closer together on the chest
• Tubular: Narrow, long, and less rounded
• Sagging: Drooping, often after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

Knowing your breasts well helps you recognize when something changes. Breast cancer doesn’t look the same for everyone, so it’s important to understand what’s normal for your breasts. By staying aware of how your breasts normally look and feel, you can notice anything unusual and take charge of your breast health. Pay attention to lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast tissue.

Changes to Watch For

It’s normal for your breasts to go through changes—during your period, pregnancy, breastfeeding, puberty, menopause, or with weight gain and loss. Hormonal changes from birth control or hormone replacement therapy can also affect your breasts. That’s why it’s important to get to know them and stay alert to any changes. This will help you understand when changes are normal and when they might need a doctor’s attention.

Beyond the Lump: Other Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Most people are aware that a lump in the breast or armpit can be a warning sign of breast cancer. These lumps may be painful or painless and could feel rubbery, firm, or like a hard knot. However, lumps aren’t the only symptom. Here are other potential warning signs:

• Skin Changes: Keep an eye out for texture changes in the skin on your breast, such as a rash, redness, or dimpling. The skin may start to resemble the peel of an orange, rough, thickened or scaly.
• Nipple Changes: A nipple becoming inverted or changing in colour or texture can be a sign. Sometimes, as a tumour grows inside the breast, it pulls on the surrounding tissue, causing the nipple to turn inward.
• Nipple Discharge: Discharge that isn’t related to breastfeeding can be concerning. If the fluid is clear or bloody, it’s especially important to see a doctor.
• Breast Pain: Breast pain on its own isn’t usually a sign of cancer, but if the pain is persistent and not linked to your menstrual cycle or an injury, it could indicate inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease (a chronic disorder affecting bones).
• Swelling in the Armpit or Breast: Swelling in the armpit area could happen if the tumour extends into the lymph nodes while growing. Swelling could also be caused by inflammation due to infection, allergies, or even recent vaccinations, but it’s important to get it checked out, as it could mean cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Know the Signs

Breast cancer symptoms aren’t the same for everyone, and many women notice changes during their daily routine, whether it’s while showering or putting on deodorant. Lumps, discharge, or other changes may be harmless, but the only way to know for sure is to consult a doctor. And if it is serious, catching it early is crucial.

Take Action

It’s recommended that women aged 50 to 74 in the general population undergo screening mammography every two years. However, women may also consider starting annual screenings earlier, depending on individual risk factors and medical advice. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray that can detect very small breast cancers long before a lump can be felt. By paying attention to your breast health and staying proactive with screenings, you can protect yourself and act early if needed.

This Pink October, let’s make breast cancer awareness not just a campaign, but a daily commitment to our health.