McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters said with everything going on at the moment, including temporary closures of some screening services, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or worried.
“But it’s important to remember many breast cancers are self-detected, meaning women, and men too, can still be in control of their breast health, even in these unpredictable times,” she said.
“Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) data shows more than two-thirds of breast cancers in women aged 40 and over, are detected outside of the national screening program, so there’s never been a better time to ‘get to know your pair’.
“At the McGrath Foundation we say, ‘if you grow them, know them’. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month we encourage women to learn how to check your breasts, and most importantly, to seek medical attention if you notice anything unusual.
“Early detection of breast cancer while it is still small and confined to the breast, provides the best chance for treatment to be effective. It’s so important that if you find a lump or notice any changes to your breasts, that you seek medical attention straight away.
“The power is literally in your hands; now is the time to make self-checking a regular habit.”
Symptoms to look for are lumps, pain, thickening of the skin, redness, inverted nipples, dimples, skin sores and nipple crust or discharge.
For more, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au
