30/10/2026
AS OCTOBER COMES TO A CLOSE, THE CONVERSATION ABOUT BREAST HEALTH MUST CONTINUE.
Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve been reminded of the importance of early detection, regular breast checks and taking responsibility for our health. But here’s something worth remembering: breast cancer awareness shouldn’t be limited to one month of the year.
Many women know they should check their breasts, but not everyone knows what to look for, how to check properly, or when to seek professional help. Let’s change that.
KNOW YOUR BODY. KNOW THE SIGNS. TAKE ACTION.
A simple approach to breast awareness involves three important steps:
1. FEEL
Get familiar with your breasts.
Take time to feel your breasts and the surrounding areas, including your armpits. Use the pads of your fingers and gentle circular movements to become familiar with what feels normal for your body. This makes it easier to notice unusual changes.
2. NOTICE
Pay attention to changes.
Look out for:
* New lumps or unusual thickening in the breast or underarm.
* Changes in the size or shape of your breasts.
* Dimpling, puckering or changes in skin texture.
* Changes in the ni**le, including inversion or unusual discharge.
* Persistent, unexplained pain or swelling.
Remember, not every lump or change means cancer. However, any new or unusual change deserves professional attention. Don’t wait for it to become painful.
3. SCREEN
Make professional examinations part of your healthcare routine.
Self-checks are important for breast awareness, but they do not replace professional examinations or mammograms. Clinical breast examinations and appropriate imaging can help identify abnormalities that require further investigation.
Speak to a healthcare professional about the screening schedule that’s appropriate for your age, medical history and individual risk factors.
A FEW THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW:
💗 Breast cancer can affect women of different ages, although the risk generally increases with age.
💗 You can develop breast cancer even without a family history of the disease.
💗 Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and the chances of successful treatment.
💗 Breast cancer can also affect men, although it is much less common.
💗 A healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce certain breast cancer risks.
A MESSAGE FROM STUTT HEALTH PHARMACY
As your community pharmacy, we believe healthcare begins with education, prevention and empowering people to make informed decisions about their well-being.
We encourage every woman to prioritise her breast health, have those sometimes uncomfortable conversations, attend recommended screenings and encourage the women around her to do the same.
To every mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, friend and colleague: your health matters. Don’t put off an examination because you’re busy, afraid or unsure where to start.
And here’s our challenge to you: Share this post with a woman you care about. You never know whose life you could positively influence by simply sharing the right information.
🎗️ October may be coming to an end, but early detection, awareness and self-care are important all year round.
📍 Visit or contact Stutt Health Pharmacy for healthcare guidance and information about available screening services.
Your health is worth checking. Your life is worth protecting.
