October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual campaign organised by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research, diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Here at Belle Lingerie, we know that October isn't the only time to raise awareness about Breast Cancer and how to look, feel and check your breasts for any possible signs. This blog isn't to scare anyone, it's to offer you advice and allow you to be aware of the things you can do at home to check your breasts.
According to the NHS, there's no right or wrong way to check your breasts. It's important that you're aware of how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can report any changes to your GP. Examining your breasts regularly can be an important way to note any changes you may or may not notice in your breasts.
To check your breasts, the NHS has produced a 5-point-plan for being breast aware:
1. Know what's normal for YOU
2. Look at your breasts and feel them regularly
3. Know what changes to look for. Any sudden lumps, rashes, changes in your breasts.
4. Report any changes to your breasts to your GP without delay
5. Attend routine screening if you're aged 50-70
Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
Breast Changes To Look Out For:
a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast
a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breasts, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before
any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently
a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it's new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases)
We know that this isn't a nice blog to read, and it's scary, but it's important that we all (men and women) check our breasts regularly.
If you've unfortunately been through the dreaded journey of breast cancer, then you may be in need of ultimate comfort and support. A mastectomy bra is specifically for anyone who has had surgery on the breast and has had one or both breasts removed. These clever products are designed with you in mind with the sole purpose of making life easier post-surgery. A mastectomy bra features pockets in the cups which are designed to hold a prosthesis in place. Most mastectomy bras will have two pockets, one on each cup so can be used by anyone. The great thing is brands like Royce and Anita have dedicated time and a lot of effort into perfecting mastectomy bras. So now these bras are subtle! At first glance, you wouldn’t even know it was any different to your regular bras. The pockets are hidden in the cups so you can wear your new bra with confidence. The band and straps are usually wider than an average bra, this is to help create comfortable support and to hide/protect any scars. Most mastectomy bras are non-wired as a hard underwire can often irritate scar tissue and feel uncomfortable on any sensitive areas.
Here at Belle Lingerie, it's our mission to make sure everyone feels as comfortable and confident as they can in the lingerie that they wear, that includes anyone who may be going through the dreadful breast cancer journey. We're here to provide you with extremely comfortable lingerie that will support you. That's why we have a range of Mastectomy & Post Surgery Bras, to offer you the up-most comfort and support during and after your journey.