This week, we’re asking our lovely readers to take a minute to Feel Your Selfie.
Whether you’re on the run, or a regular checker, it takes just three fingers and a few minutes out of your day to check your breasts for signs of change.
Survival rates in Ireland have improved from 70-80 per cent, so let’s keep women actively on the lookout to help beat this disease.
So what is the Feel Your Selfie campaign?
The Feel YourSelfie campaign is a new initiative from Breast Cancer Ireland, which aims to create awareness of breast cancer by encouraging women to check themselves regularly.
Taking just three fingers and three minutes, it’s very easy to start recognising how to check yourself for signs of lumps, bumps of irregularities.
So what are you keeping an eye out for?
In most women, breast cancer is usually detected by a painless lump in the breast. There are other signs though, and you should book in to see a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur when you're carrying out your new routine:
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
- Changes to the nipple area such as crusting, ulcers, redness, inversion or change in shape or direction of the nipple
- Dimpling of the skin of the breast
- A rash (similar in appearance to eczema) affecting the nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Swelling or lumps in your armpit
- Veins that are standing out more than usual
How can you check for lumps?
Here's a handy guide to knowing your way around a breast-check:
Image via Summit Medical Group.
How else can you help support the Feel Your Selfie campaign?
The FeelYourSelfie Campaign asks women to take a selfie with a three finger salute across their chest, clothed or otherwise; nominate and share with three close friends.
Post the selfie online with #FeelYourSelfie and then donate €4.00 by texting FEEL to 50300 to support Breast Cancer Irelands ongoing research efforts.
