Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Normal

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a time dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging conversations and reminding us all to take a little time to look after ourselves.

Life is busy.

Between work, family, social plans and everything else on our never-ending to-do lists, it's easy to put our own health to the bottom of the pile. But becoming familiar with your breasts is one of the simplest habits you can build, and it only takes a few minutes.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. According to Breast Cancer Now, around one woman is diagnosed every 10 minutes, which means most of us know someone whose life has been affected by breast cancer.

The encouraging news is that many breast changes aren't cancer, but recognising when something feels different means you can seek medical advice promptly if you need it.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're encouraging our community to spend a few minutes checking in with themselves.

Because knowing what's normal for you could make all the difference.

Breast Awareness Starts with Knowing Your Own Body

One of the biggest misconceptions about checking your breasts is that you're searching for a particular lump.

In reality, breast awareness is about becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.

No two people are the same.

Breasts naturally vary in size, shape and texture, and they can change throughout your life because of hormones, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, weight changes and ageing.

What feels completely normal for one person may be different for someone else.

That's why experts don't recommend comparing yourself to anyone else.

Instead, they encourage you to learn what's normal for you.

The more familiar you are with your own body, the more likely you are to notice if something changes.

What Changes Should You Look Out For?

The NHS advises speaking to your GP if you notice any changes that aren't normal for you.

These might include:

• A lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit.
• A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts.
• Skin that's become puckered, dimpled or looks different.
• Redness or a rash on or around the nipple.
• Unusual nipple discharge.
• A nipple that's become pulled in or changed position.
• Persistent pain in one breast or your armpit.
• Any change that simply doesn't feel right for your body.

It's important to remember that most breast changes are not caused by cancer.

However, it's always worth having anything unusual checked by your GP.

Seeking advice early never means you're overreacting.

There's No Perfect Way to Check

Another common myth is that there's one correct technique or a specific day every month when you must check your breasts.

The NHS no longer recommends following a strict routine.

Instead, they encourage people to regularly look at and feel their breasts in whatever way feels most natural.

That might be:

• In the shower.
• While getting dressed.
• Before going to bed.
• After moisturising.
• While changing into your favourite bra.

The important thing isn't how you check.

It's that you check regularly enough to notice if something changes.

Don't Forget Your Entire Chest Area

Your breast tissue extends further than many people realise.

When becoming familiar with your body, remember to check:

• Around your collarbone.
• Across your chest.
• Underneath your breasts.
• Into your armpits.
• Along the sides of your breasts.

Taking a few extra moments helps you become familiar with your whole chest area rather than just the breasts themselves.

Small Habits Can Make a Big Difference

Looking after yourself doesn't have to involve complicated routines.

Sometimes it's simply remembering to pause for a few minutes every now and then.

Many women find it easiest to build breast awareness into something they already do regularly.

Perhaps it's after your shower.

Maybe it's while applying body lotion.

Or perhaps it's while getting changed at the end of the day.

By linking breast awareness with an existing habit, it becomes something that feels completely natural rather than another task on your to-do list.

Let's Keep Talking

One of the most valuable things Breast Cancer Awareness Month has achieved is encouraging people to have conversations that previously felt difficult.

Talking openly about breast health helps reduce embarrassment, encourages more people to check themselves and reminds us that we're never alone.

Whether it's reminding your mum, your sister, your best friend or your daughter to check themselves, these small conversations really do matter.

Sometimes the most important reminder comes from someone close to us.

Looking After Yourself Is Never Selfish

At Tutti Rouge, we're passionate about helping women feel comfortable and confident every day.

Confidence doesn't just come from finding a bra that fits beautifully.

It also comes from taking care of yourself.

Taking a few minutes to become familiar with your body isn't about worrying that something is wrong.

It's about giving yourself the reassurance that comes from knowing what's normal for you and recognising when something changes.

Your health deserves that time.

You deserve that time.

If You Notice Something Different

If you notice a change that's unusual for you, don't ignore it.

Book an appointment with your GP as soon as you can.

Most breast changes won't be cancer, but getting them checked quickly is always the right thing to do.

If you'd like more information about breast awareness, symptoms or support, we recommend visiting:

• NHS Breast Cancer Information
• Breast Cancer Now

Both organisations provide trusted, up-to-date advice and support.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Is About More Than Pink

Wearing pink is a wonderful way to show support, but Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about something much bigger.

It's about education.

It's about conversations.

It's about supporting those affected by breast cancer.

And it's about encouraging every one of us to spend a few minutes becoming familiar with our own bodies.

This October, take a moment for yourself.

Check your breasts.

Encourage someone you love to do the same.

Because knowing what's normal for you could make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my breasts?

The NHS recommends checking your breasts regularly so you become familiar with what's normal for you, rather than following a strict monthly schedule.

What should I do if I find a lump?

Most breast lumps aren't cancer, but you should always arrange an appointment with your GP if you notice any new or unusual changes.

Is breast pain always a sign of breast cancer?

No. Breast pain is common and is often caused by hormonal changes or other non-cancerous conditions. However, persistent pain that's unusual for you should always be discussed with your GP.

Can younger women get breast cancer?

Yes. Although breast cancer is more common in older women, it can affect younger women too, which is why breast awareness is important for adults of all ages.

Where can I find more information?

The best sources of information are the NHS and Breast Cancer Now, which provide trusted guidance on breast awareness, symptoms, diagnosis and support.