Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know your body, spot changes and get them checked out says Cancer Council WA

October is breast cancer awareness month, and the Cancer Council WA is urging everyone to get to know their bodies so they can spot any symptoms or changes.

Lavinya Vasudevan, the Great Southern regional cancer prevention co-ordinator, said it was important for everyone to recognise the symptoms, adding that while breast cancer was most prevalent in women, it can also affect men.

“Most changes won’t be cancer, but if you notice anything different or unusual for you, it’s best to get it checked,” she said.

“If it is breast cancer, finding it early gives you the best chance of successful treatment.”

Symptoms include a change in size, shape or feel, a lump or hard area in the breast or underarm, a change to the nipple, and breast pain or discomfort, especially if it is only on one side.

Ms Vasudevan said it was important that if something did not feel right, it should be investigated.

“Get to know your breasts and what is normal for you, and if something feels off, trust yourself and get it checked; your future self will thank you,” she said.

“If you are unsure about a possible symptom, make an appointment to discuss the change with your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker as soon as possible.

“This is particularly important if it has lasted for at least four weeks.”

In 2022, 2090 women in WA were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 291 died.

For the Great Southern the same year, six women died from breast cancer with 59 diagnosed.

Albany breast cancer champion Allyson Charles said it was important to pay attention to any changes and get them checked out.

‘Find the courage to put your health first,” she said.

“If you find cancer early, you can move forward and leave it behind.

“You have the choice and opportunity to create the life you want after the experience.”

Screening is another way of detecting the cancer early while women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should talk to their doctor about screening and prevention options.

For more information on breast cancer symptoms, call 13 11 20 or visit findcancerearly.com.au.

For BreastScreen WA call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au.