Check your breasts: make it a habit

11 October 2024

All women and men should get into the habit of checking their breasts regularly, according to West Midlands Police Federation equality lead Julie Fleming.

Julie, who underwent treatment for breast cancer last year, says everyone needs to look for changes in their breasts.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so I would like to encourage everyone to check their breasts this month and then make a note to do it again in a month’s time. It’s as simple as that: do it once, make a note of the date and put a note in a diary or mobile phone to check again a month later,” says Julie.

“You can find plenty of information online giving advice on how best to self-check and I know many GPs and practice nurses are willing to give you tips too.

“From the age of 50, women are generally invited for an NHS mammogram every three years but we all need to be checking ourselves between those screenings. 

“It is also worth noting that I was in my 40s when I found a lump in my breast so I hadn’t even reached the age where I would have been called in for a routine mammogram.

“If I hadn’t felt the lump myself and sought medical advice, it could have been years before it was picked up and treated. The outcome could have been very different.”

Lump

Signs of breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit, a change to the skin such as puckering or dimpling, a change in the colour, size or shape of the breast.

But regular checking will help people identify any unusual or new changes.

“I get that people are scared of what they might find, and I know the sheer panic I felt when I found my lump. But, and I can’t stress this enough, the sooner you get it checked out the better,” says Julie.

“Often it turns out to be nothing sinister, however, in my case my cancer had already spread to my lymph nodes by the time I sought help so I am so thankful I went to my doctor when I did.

“I just want everyone to get into the habit of checking themselves – it takes minutes, and can save your life. All too often we spend a lot of time and energy on trying to kick bad habits so perhaps now’s a good time to develop a new good habit.”

Read more about Julie’s breast cancer journey.