Don’t Miss the Sign I Did: How to Check Your Breasts
In 2022 I had the opportunity to share my breast cancer diagnosis story on Channel 10’s Studio 10 with Dr Sam Sood, as part of Inherited Cancers Australia’s awareness-raising work. We spoke about something simple yet life-saving - how to check your breasts and know what’s normal for you.
3 in 5 Australian women aren’t checking their breasts as regularly as they need to.
I get it. Life is busy, time flies and you forget to do it. Or maybe you’re not sure how or when to do it.
We keep banging on about checking your ‘bangers’ but what does that actually mean?
As Dr Sam says, it’s not a scientific process. It’s about knowing what’s normal for you, and what’s not.
And the “what’s not normal” isn’t only lumps or bumps. It can also be:
Dimples or pulls in the skin
Discharge from the nipple
Thickening of the breast tissue
Any change that feels different for you
If I had followed the advice Dr Sam shares, I would have noticed a small dimple hidden under my breast and I would have been diagnosed earlier than I was (my cancer was found through mammogram screening).
To know what’s normal for you, you need to check yourself regularly.
So, how and when should you check? It’s easy and Dr Sam explains it simply in the video below.
If you spot anything unusual, see your GP. And remember, most changes are not cancer but it’s always better to get them checked.
Your body knows you best. Make time to listen to it.
Want a gentle nudge to make breast checks part of your routine? Sign up for the Inherited Cancers Australia Breast Check Reminder — a FREE reminder to help you stay on track and know what’s normal for you.
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