This post was sponsored by The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
Self care isn’t just about bubble baths, nail polish and making yourself feel good, it’s about taking care of your whole self. Because you are worth it. Because you deserve to be cared for, and that begins with caring for yourself.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to start self-checking as part of your regular self care routine. Not when you’re older, I mean that you should start doing it once a month from the time you’re in your 20’s – around 400 of us younger women under the age of 44 will be diagnosed – that could be me, you, your best friend, your sister, cancer doesn’t discriminate. Self checking only is the only way that it will be picked up because we’re too young for free mammograms (they’re available once you turn 45). It’s not something that we talk about very much, it’s even something that people shy away from, but it’s important to “know your normal“. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel will help you to know if something isn’t right, so you can get it checked out by a doctor.
I wanted to share a guide on how to self check your breasts with you, because this is something close to my heart. You’re special to me, and I want to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself. So if you’re not sure how to do it, read on (and if you already know, brush up and make sure you share this with someone you love).
How to self check
TOUCH
You can do this in the shower or bath, or while you’re moisturising your body – whatever works for you. I prefer to do it while I’m moisturising myself because that’s two bits of self care being achieved at once.
Using the fingertips of your three middle fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern from the outside to the middle, feeling for any lumps or thickening. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do it, the important thing is that you check all of your breast tissue – from just below your collarbone to under your breast. Remember to put one hand on your hip and use your other hand to check in your armpit as well, then check the other side. Need a demo? Check out this video featuring Kiwi women, produced by the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Lumps can feel hard and irregular, or they can feel smooth. A suspicious lump is usually hard and irregular in shape – kind of like a raisin. It might be attached to the surrounding tissue or skin, so it doesn’t move around easily. A non-cancerous lump feels more like a grape (smooth edges and more rounded), but if you find any lumps that are out of the ordinary for you, make sure you get them checked by your family doctor as soon as possible. Remember that 9 out of 10 lumps are not cancerous, but it’s still worth getting things checked out.
LOOK
Stand in front of a mirror in a well lit room and take a good look at your breasts. Don’t worry if they’re not the same shape or size as each other, that’s pretty common (my right is bigger than my left). What you’re looking for is changes, which is why it’s important to do these checks regularly. Do this with your hands at your sides, your hands on your hips with your elbows and shoulders pressed forward (like a model posing!), and with your arms raised and hands clasped above your head.
CHECK
If you notice any of these changes, make sure you check in with your GP
- A new lump or thickening, especially if it’s only in one breast
- Unusual pain in your breast
- A change in the shape or size of your breast
- A change in the skin of your breast, like puckering or dimpling, reddening or a rash
- Any change in your nipple, like a turned-in nipple, discharge that occurs without squeezing, crusting, ulcer or redness
If you’ve got a close family history of breast cancer, make sure you tell your doctor. If your mum or sister was diagnosed younger than 50, then you may be at higher risk.
Mammograms
The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation recommends you start getting regular screening mammograms in your 40’s, because they’re the best method for the early detection of breast cancer in women who have had no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. NZ is lucky to have a free Government-funded breast cancer screening program for women aged 45-69, with mammograms provided free every two years by BreastScreen Aotearoa – enrol at age 45 online or call 0800 270 200.
Want to know more?
Visit the The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation’s website for more info. You also can call 0800BCNurse for free breast health advice – it’s a free confidential service for all New Zealanders.
I’d love for you to share this with someone you love. Your best friend, your mum, your sister, your daughter, all of your girls. Because this is important, and so are they.
What other ways do you show yourself TLC?
Prioritising a gentle pace does wonders for my lovely self because I hear her say thank you everyday.
That’s s lovely Kyra! I definitely want to bring more of that into my own life xo
Rubbing lovely oils on my growing belly every morning. 🙂
That sounds lovely, what kinds of oils do you use Becks?
Just remembering to drink water and stay hydrated is my thing at the moment.
Thanks for the reminder *grabs water bottle*
I quit smoking 8 weeks ago today – I show myself TLC by winning the battle against cigarettes every day xx
I’m so so proud of you! I quit smoking five years ago and I remember it wasn’t easy. Good on you for making that change for yourself xx
Making sure once a week (usually while kids are at school and daycare) I have a foot spa! It’s a good chance to do my nails as well 😉 I do self checks in the shower roughly each month. Cancer is rampant in our family and I wouldn’t risk missing them or the dreaded smear!
Ohhh I used to have a foot spa – such a nice treat! Good on you for checking Barbara, and for keeping up to date with smears! That’s another thing that people don’t talk about enough
I run! It’s time away, sanity, and time to process my own stuff! If I miss a run I’m much less patient with my kids 😀
Such a good way to give yourself a bit of time out, good on you Trudie
I use only natural products to give my body TLC 🙂
Such a great way of showing yourself love! What’s your favourite Sara?
One way I show myself TCL is getting my nails done. I have rather lumpy breasts so do self examinations often. Found another lump and have a mammogram booked for Friday.
Good on you for checking Lisa, wishing you all the best for Friday x
My favorite thing to treat myself with is a long warm bath with some nice relaxing oils 😀 Retail therapy is also good 😛
Mmmm I love a good soak in the tub
Once a month I book in a Sunday arvo off. With a busy family life and trying to find some balance it’s hard to get away and have your eyebrows done..sometimes a pedi…sometimes just an hour at the beach with a book or magazine! Once I just did a walk with my friend and sneaky all to myself drive through on the way home and it was just what I needed. I guess there’s many other ways to treat yourself or give yourself some TLC but after a year of bad health and weekly hospital visits – an hour or so of time out is just perfect 👌
Good on you B, sometimes mama needs some time just for her right? xo
I show myself some TLC by giving myself a manicure and pedicure ❤
Nice! Love a good mani 🙂
Taking some “me time” is so important! Have a pamper day. Get a nice lunch, put on a facial mask, have a bath, relax! Also getting a good nights sleep is the best beauty treatment you can give yourself! 🙂 This is such an important message, we should definitely be looking after ourselves. x
That sounds like a dream! I’m a big fan of making sure that I’m looking after all aspects and I think your pamper day + lunch + sleep sounds awesome
The way I show myself tlc that would be when I’m having a shower and get to use my face cleaner and then rosehip oil once my skin has dried off not long after.
Ooh, lovely!
Gosh, you’ve really got me thinking ! How do I show myself TLC. I guess the biggest favour I do for myself is to go to bed early. It doesn’t come naturally for this night owl, but when my body or soul is crying out for a reprieve I take myself off to bed and luxuriate in laying horizontal not having to move a muscle ! The ultimate comfort. Switch off the brain and allow the body to rest and restore overnight. Sleep is an amazing remedy !
I think that’s something I really need to start doing – I’ve been burning the candle at both ends with late nights and early mornings (I’m yawning as I type this). I’m going to schedule an early night tonight!
Pamper myself/Reward myself by getting facial or a massage done by professional or a nice meal at a good restaurant once in a while. It’s my way of giving myself a gift! I love natural skincare products, sometimes I buy myself a new product to try and to enjoy it!
Spend quality time with myself: soaking in a bath or going for a walk/run along the beach. I sometimes just want to be by myself to think and to relax.
Love it Anna, sounds like you’re great at taking time for yourself!
😊 Thank you for this. Such a helpful read. 💕 One way I show myself TLC, I go and get my brows done and lashes tinted every once and awhile, while my partner takes care of our two littlies. I’d absolutely LOVE to win this skincare pack. Good luck everyone. 😊
Thank you. X
It’s the little things, isn’t it? I love having my brows done!
The way I show myself tlc is some quiet pampering time! I love a decadent face mask and a diy manicure with my favourite music! Usually this happens at 10pm when the kids are well asleep in bed lol
Glad you’re managing to fit that TLC in around the kids! Quiet pampering time is my favourite as well 🙂
So important for all woman to check themselves thanks for this great blog xxx
When I try to find timeas im a busy mummy of 3, for some tlc I love to unwind with a good cuppa coffee and a book, also going to the doctors for regular healthchecks and blood tests is so important for me also,knowing im doing ok makes me feel better knowing im healthy for my children 😉
It’s a balancing act when you’re a mama, isn’t it Jessica? Good on you for taking care of yourself xo
Congratulations Jessica, you’re the lucky winner of the $150 gift pack! Keep an eye on your inbox xx
I make sure i eat properly and exercise daily
A great way to lower your risk of breast cancer too, so double high five!
Go Megan your message is strong!
#touchlookcheck #breastcancerawareness #pinkribbon
Thanks Savin xo
So important for women to do this! Thank you Meagan X I show myself a little TLC by giving myself time to just “stop”. I read a book, relax. Focus on nothing rather than the million things we all worry about.
Such a nice way to unwind! I love getting lost in a book 🙂
Such an important message Meagan! Since having gestational diabetes with my first child, I self care by having regular blood tests to make sure I have my blood sugars under control because I don’t want diabetes!
Good on you Sally! I have regular blood test as well to make sure I’m in tip top shape 😀
Thanks for sharing this Meagan. So important. I show myselft TLC by putting on a nice face mask from Lush, drinking a glass of wine and watching some YouTube makeup tutorials 😉
Sounds like you’ve got those TLC nights sorted, nice one Karin!
Ensuring I get enough water sun and fun!
Also a great night cream really helps
Such a good combination of things – especially fun! I think we get so caught up in work and responsibility that we forget how good having fun is for us!
I learned how to do this on Embarrassing Bodies last year – I LOVE that show. This is a great reminder with more specific detail, thanks Meagan! TLC for me means getting outside with nature, it makes me feel so calm and peaceful. I’m going gardening today, so definitely a TLC day for me!
I think the more we talk about this the better – I hope it helps people become less embarrassed about their bodies and more willing to start those important conversations! Hope you enjoy your gardening day Jessie xo
Thank you for this guide! I’ve never known to look for a raisin type lump before. Very helpful 💕
I give myself TLC by reading in bed while hubby takes the kiddies out…bliss x
Glad I could help! That sounds like a lovely way to recharge, who’s your favourite author Toni?
Sleep ins! And having a coffee date with good friends .
Yes please to both of those! Having great friends is so important xo
Getting a good sleep and eating fresh, healthy food.
Good on you Sarah – two very very important things xo
TLC Hasnt happened here in a while to be honest. Busy mama to a toddler who i like to call the tasmania devil and now a 4 month old. Time for me isnt happening at the moment but it will, just got to wait it out.
But on the odd rare occasion i do get to pee by myself- does that count?
Sometimes you’ve gotta celebrate those little wins Jess! If a couple of minutes to yourself in the bathroom is all you get, make it a couple of quality minutes right? Hang in there mama, it will get easier xx
Great post to inform ladies how to check themselves and what to look for. I show myself tlc by moisturising regularly, hot baths by candlelight and relaxing with a cup of tea 🙂
Thanks Tina! Such an easy thing to add in to your moisturising routine (even better after you’ve had a nice relaxing bath!) xo
I workout at the gym for tlc
Good on you babe! Regular exercise lowers your risk of breast cancer too 🙂
I workout most days and take epic long baths
Two great ways to show yourself a bit of TLC! Nice one Bridget!
To show myself some tlc I go and spend 15 mins in the garden in the early morning with a cup of tea and the birds singing 🙂 Sadly I lost my beloved MIL to breast cancer and in her case she was embarrassed and scared to say she had found a lump. We all miss her dearly and hope that everybody male or female does regular breast checks and remember how much your family and friends want you to be around as long as possible
So sorry to hear about your mother in law Debbie, it makes me so sad to hear that she was too embarrassed and scared to mention that she’d found a lump. I hope that by talking about breast cancer, the signs to watch out for and how to reduce your risk we will make it easier for others to talk about their experiences xx
TLC for me is sleep!!!!
A good sleep is so important to help your mind and your body recharge!
This is definitely food for thought. My idea of TLC is normally just taking time out to myself to relax by watching tv or movies… time to think differently and self check the ‘girls’ for some self care! 🙂
Both very important kinds of TLC Melissa! Good on you for checking xo
Thank you for reminding me I need to be doing this regularly. One of the ways I look after myself is having a face mask and scrub day every couple of weeks. It’s a couple of extra little bits and I get s little bit of timeout for myself.
Face masks and scrubs are so lovely, they always make my skin feel revived! If you add in all over moisturising after your shower then your self check could slot right in to your self care routine xo
My TLC is my cuppa first thing when I wake. I check my emails, fb and the news while drinking it (and then I meditate) 😄
I always meditate at the end of the day – I like the idea of doing it at the beginning though. Thanks Johanna, I might have to switch things up a bit
A nice bubble bath when no one is home to interrupt
Ohhhh what bliss!
Health and fitness was the big thing missing from my selfcare regime because as you say, self care is not just pampering! I try to only eat nourishing food, to push myself at the gym while knowing my limits and acknowledging when I need to rest. It’s lead to a great honest relationship with myself 🙂
Good on you Ali! Regular exercise can help to lower your risk of breast cancer, so that’s a double bonus!
TLC for me is taking my dog for a walk with no phone. It’s just Henry, me and whatever dead animal he finds to roll in.
I can’t like this enough. Exercise = good. Taking time away from your phone = so freeing! And dog = ultimate happiness. Not so sure about doggy cuddles after he’s been rolling around in dead animals though haha
Im a regular check up’er and have already had a lump investigated (actually my husband found it!) Im only 32 but its so important for every woman to check because it can happen at any age.
Anyway, TLC for me is actually sitting in a quite place with a good book for an hour or so and a cup of tea. Im a mum of 2 so me time is very hard to come by (although I did make my husband pick them up from school yesterday so I could go and get my brows and lashes done, which have made me feel great!)
Glad to hear you’re a regular checker Amy (and good catch by your hubby!. You’re right, it’s definitely something that can happen at any age – something like 400 NZ women under 44 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. That makes checking so so important.
I actually restarted doing checks because of your posts on it! 🙂
I spend a little time each day putting makeup on and doing my hair no matter how busy I am, it’s nice to feel good! And drinking a good amount of water because my body definitely thanks me for it!
Hurray, that’s so great to hear Ash! Good on you for showing yourself TLC xo
TLC for me is getting my nails painted, then going home to listen to music, relax and read, I’m a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe, so I’ll often read one of his poems or stories. =)
What a lovely way to relax and unwind!
Thanks for the easy guide – no excuses not to do regular checks!
I show myself TLC by giving myself time to do one of my favourite thing, read, or do some colouring-in!
I also make sure I go to bed early, it’s so important to get enough sleep.
I just recently became the happy owner of a shakti mat so that’s also time to myself while helping my body unwind before bed.
You’re more than welcome Michelle – the more people we get checking, the better right? Sounds like you’ve got your TLC covered, how are you finding the shakti mat?
Awesome post! I show myself TLC by getting my nails done.
So nice to put yourself in someone else’s hands for a little bit, isn’t it?
TLC -letting myself have a few hours to read each week. I really find it hard to switch off from work, kids, family responsibilities etc so getting lost in a book is fabulous. My favourite author is Kristin Hannah 😉
That’s a great way to take time out Andrea! I find it hard to switch off as well so will have to try and make more time for reading! xo
Great post. It’s never to early to start checking! Early detection is key x
Thanks Karina, and I absolutely agree!
Exercise and eat well 🙂
Awesome Nikki, that can help you reduce your risk of breast cancer as well, so double high fives for you! xo
It’s great that you’ve shared this on your blog. I incorporated Breast Cancer Month in one of my blog posts too because this is so important.
It’s so important to talk about, isn’t it? I think the more we talk about breast cancer, the more likelihood people have of knowing what to check for so they can recognise any signs if they come up. So so important.
Thanks for the reminder – it’s such an easy thing to do yet so many of us forget. I’m off for the full mammogram tomorrow – I’m of ‘that age’ now so might as well take advantage of it.
Good on you Polly, hope all goes well tomorrow x
Such a great post Meagan, and timely reminder when so many of us are or know someone affected by this.
It’s become all too common, hasn’t it. It’s surprising how many people are affected (either directly of indirectly) by breast cancer.
Nice post 🙂
Thanks Maria – such an important message to share, don’t you think? xo