Think Pink: Make Time to Check

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, show support for those affected and encourage conversations about breast health. At Right at Home Swindon, we wanted to play our part by adding a splash of pink to our day.

On Friday 23rd October, our team came together in pink to help spread an important message: make time to check and get to know what’s normal for you. In this blog, we’ll share a little from our day, explain why breast awareness matters and offer a simple guide to checking your breasts.

Breast awareness starts with getting to know how your breasts or chest usually look and feel. Everyone is different, and checking regularly can help you notice a change that is unusual for you. The NHS recommends checking around once a month.

Changes can include a lump or swelling, a difference in size or shape, skin dimpling or changes to your nipples. Anyone can get breast cancer, so this awareness matters for everyone.

Noticing a change doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer, but it’s important to contact your GP and have it checked. If a change is caused by cancer, finding it early may make it easier to treat.

Checking doesn’t need to be complicated. Taking a few moments around once a month can help you become familiar with what’s normal for you.

1. Take a look
   Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides, then raise them above your head. Look for changes in size, shape or skin texture, and any changes to your nipples.

2. Have a feel
   Using your fingers, feel around each breast or side of your chest in a circular motion. Cover the whole area, including up to your collarbones and under your armpits. Use a mixture of light and firmer pressure, without pressing so hard that it hurts, and feel around and over each nipple. You may find this easier in the shower or lying down.

3. Get changes checked
   Contact your GP if you notice a new lump, swelling, nipple discharge, skin dimpling or any other change that isn’t normal for you. Pain in your breast or armpit that doesn’t go away should also be checked.

These changes can have many causes and don’t necessarily mean cancer. Getting them checked is the best way to find out.

On Friday 23rd October, our team added a splash of pink to their day to raise awareness for breast cancer. From pink clothing to ribbon pins, it was a chance to come together, show our support for those affected and help keep the conversation going.

We also invited our caregivers to share photos of themselves wearing pink, helping us spread the message beyond the office and across our social media.

Thank you to everyone who took part. Behind the pink outfits is a message we want to carry throughout the year: make time to check, know what’s normal for you and speak to your GP about any unusual changes.