Across social media for the festive period we are joining in on the ‘Elf on the shelf’ craze, all for good reason. Our Elves, named Stripy Tights and Twinkletoes will serve as a daily reminder of how important it is to be breast aware by encouraging everyone to check your Elves this Christmas.
Checking yourself is something that Laura advocates on a daily basis;
When checking yourself – remember the 5 point plan
Being breast aware means getting to know your breasts; how they look and what they normally feel like. Make sure you know the 5 point plan – and look for the warning signs..
- A change in the outline, shape or size of the breast
- A new isolated lump
- Any difference between the ‘lumpiness’ in the two breasts found early in the menstrual cycle and still there at the end of the cycle
- Skin dimpling that changes the appearance of the surface of the breast
- In-drawing of the nipple, or alteration in its direction
Other warning signs to look out for may include:
- Discharge from the nipple for no apparent reason
- Bleeding from the nipple
- Distortion of the area around the nipple (areola)
- An ‘orange-skin’ appearance of the breast skin (not the colour, but the little dimples)
- Alteration in the position or ‘hang’ of the breast compared to the other breast
- Rubbery, firm, easily felt lumps or glands (lymph nodes) in the armpit
Performing a self examination, Dr Hilary Jones explain this in this video;
Stripy Tights and Twinkletoes would love you to help them spread the message to check your Elves, so if you don’t already, please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and encourage others to be breast aware this Christmas.