During the Covid-19 crisis many women may have been prioritising others above ourselves, either through our jobs in care work or care of our children or vulnerable family members. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our message this year is it’s OK to take time for yourself and prioritise your own health. Incorporating breast self-examination into your self-care routine is an essential yet quick way to look after your health. If you’re not sure how to check your breasts properly or what to look out for you’re not alone! Many women are unsure of how to self-examine so we have created a quick video guide to help you get In The Zone. Every woman who feels a lump or change to her breast should contact her GP.
Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Northern Ireland. One in ten women in NI will develop breast cancer and treatment for early stage breast cancer can be more effective and less complicated than at later stages. It is vitally important to know the signs to look out for which is why regular self-examination is so important.
If you spot any of the changes to your breasts described in the video you should call your GP.
WRDA’s ground breaking Breast, Cervical and Bowel Screening Awareness programme was developed to tackle the low uptake of screening invitations by women living in some areas of Northern Ireland. The first of three sessions deals with awareness of breast cancer screening and teaches participants how to self-examine correctly. Before taking part in the programme only 30% of women surveyed felt they knew how to self-examine correctly, this increased to 97% after the programme.
The programme is free and can be adapted for groups with additional needs such as learning disability or sight loss. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are now running our programme online and you can complete it as an individual or in group. Contact Katherine Robertson on katherine.robertson@wrda.net or on 077 8361 1744 to find out more.
