As many of you are aware, October is known as breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer happens to be the most common type of cancer in females. I have no doubt, that with every article you encounter in connection to this subject, you will probably see the words “screening is important” – and I agree. Both breast self exam and medical screening are important – and this is what I will be writing about today.
Women are encouraged to perform breast self exam at least once a month, and although some might feel uncomfortable touching this area, it is good to remember that that 60 second long ‘me time’ can ultimately save your life. As Johns Hopkins Medical Centre states, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by individuals who initially feel a lump during breast self exam.
It is good to note that the female body changes every day. Sometimes lumps are not cancerous – they are just indicators of another menstrual cycle coming close. Nevertheless, encountering breast lumps is nothing less than scary, and I know because I’ve been there.
The year in which I was studying for my A levels was nothing but stressful. On one of those days, whilst on a family outing, an area in one of my breasts started to hurt. Naturally I put the palm of my hand on the said area, and shockingly enough I felt a lump. I remember feeling a flood of heat rushing to my head – my face was turning visibly red, and as I kept trying to re-feel the lump, I started to worry even more. A few minutes later I told my mum and she asked me whether I’d be comfortable if she were to check it out.
Upon arriving back home mum asked me to lay down so she can check the lump herself. Her facial expression changed as she indeed felt the lump, however she told me that it is better if we check again in a couple of days’ time, since pressing on the area persistently may cause further swelling.
A few days later I re-did a breast self exam and unfortunately the lump was still there. I also noticed that the size as well as the colour felt slightly different. So we decided to have it checked up at a GP.
I remember feeling so nervous – the thought of having to take my bra off scared me. Besides, the thought of a potential breast cancer was even worse. Would it be treatable? Having a cancer means that more can develop eventually, right? Will I die eventually? Does that mean I have to skip my A levels after fighting so hard to be where I am? How will it affect my mum, sisters, and family in general?!
The first shock came as soon as she touched me with her hands – HER HANDS WERE FREEZING! But luckily, it was the only shock I got that day. The GP explained that a slight discolouration and lump size change was normal, and that the lump I had felt may have been one of two things – a muscle, which once massaged, contracted, making it easily felt; or as mentioned before, it may have developed in response to my menstrual cycle’s phase at that time. It was also interesting to learn more about the size of a lump that could possibly be more serious – the GP said it is usually around 1cm, and it would not be painful.
The feeling of relief was extremely overwhelming – thank God mum came with me! I know I would not have managed to enter the doctor’s clinic alone, nor would I have felt comfortable with her alone (although she is a trustworthy GP). A hot chocolate and a pancake after, together with my mother, was the perfect end to a scary morning.
Although most of my feelings following this experience were positive, I realised that many who have had to go through the same route I went through that day were not as lucky. Some may have had to go for such a check-up alone, having no one supporting them whilst still respecting their privacy (I remember my mum turning around to face the door as soon as I started taking my shirt off). And unfortunately, some may have gotten shocking news.
Despite it being a very scary and anxiety-provoking experience, I have now become more aware of the importance of doing a monthly breast self exam. Through these short me-time moments I got to know my body better, allowing me to notice right away if something feels unusual.
If you, reading my experience here on wham, have somehow ignored previous articles promoting breast cancer awareness, I encourage you to start now. It is never too late to start caring more about your health. Nobody is immune to illness. Take this opportunity to start getting to know your body better – start checking yourself each month. It is just a quick breast self exam that has the potential to spare your life.
References
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. Breast Self Exam. Retrieved from https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam#:~:text=Adult%20women%20of%20all%20ages%20are%20encouraged%20to,establishing%20a%20regular%20breast%20self-exam%20is%20very%20important.%E2%80%9D on 22nd October 2021
Walker, A. (2019). What is the average size of a breast cancer lump? Retrieved from https://www.joewongcomedy.com/writing-like-a-pro/what-is-the-average-size-of-a-breast-cancer-lump/#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20lumps%20can%20vary%20in%20size.%20Typically%2C,is.%20Do%20breast%20cancer%20lumps%20grow%20in%20size%3F on 22nd October 2021
Christianne Marie Galea is currently reading for a B.A (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care at the Faculty of Education, University of Malta, which will lead her to become an early childhood educator. Her wish is to create an environment in which her class children will feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions while expressing themselves freely.
In her free time Christianne loves creating art through mixed mediums such as water colours, acrylic, pencil colours and aquarelles. She also loves listening to music, acting and spending time with her sisters.
Click here to check out Christianne’s full bio as well as a list of all her Wham published articles
