My Boobs and Me
The My Boobs and Me guide is available in three versions on this page: text, image, and PDF download. Please choose the option you would like to read.
My Boobs and Me – Text Version
My Boobs and Me – Image Version
My Boobs and Me – PDF Download
My Boobs and Me – Text Version
Breast Cancer… what does it mean to me?
What is Cancer?
- Cancer is a disease
- It makes our bodies change
- It can cause lumps on our bodies
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is a disease when lumps may grow on your breasts. Look for:
- Shape changes
- Size changes
- Rash
- Swelling under arm
- Leaking
What are the risks?
Talk with your family, staff or guardian to find out if any of your family has had breast cancer
Talk to your doctor about your family history of breast cancer
You are more at risk if…
- You smoke
- You drink too much alcohol
- You eat too much junk food
- You do not have children
What can I do to protect myself from breast cancer?
Be familiar with your breasts:
- Do a breast examination every month
- Talk to someone if you notice any changes in your breasts
- Wear a good fitting bra which supports your breasts
You are less at risk if…
- You eat healthily
- You exercise regularly
- You attend for doctor and nurses appointments regularly
Looking after your breasts
This is how you should examine your breasts every month:
- Look in the mirror and look at your breasts
- Now lift your arms and look again at your breasts in the mirror
- Now take 3 fingers of one hand and feel all around your breast in a circular motion
- Then feel under your arm
- Then feel around and behind your nipple
Breast Screening
- If you are 50 years old or older you will be invited for Breast Screening
- You will get a letter telling you where to go and the date and time of your appointment
- Breast Screening is when a nurse takes a photo like an xray of your breasts
- This is called a mammogram
- A doctor will look at the photo to check for changes in your breast
- The doctor will send you the results of your mammogram photo
What is a mammogram?
Where does it happen?
- In the hospital
- In the clinic
- In the Action Cancer Bus
Who will help you?
- A Nurse
What will happen?
- Take bra off
- Place breast between two panels on machine
- Do not wear sprays or powders
- The x-ray picture is taken
Who can help you?
People who can help you if you find a lump and are worried:
- Your doctor
- Your nurse
- Your social worker
- Your keyworker
- Family/Friends
Other people who can help…
Cancer Research Uk
www.cancerresearchuk.org
National Breast Cancer Foundation
www.nationalbreastcancer.org
Breast Cancer UK
www.breastcanceruk.org
Breast Cancer Care
www.breastcancercare.org
Breakthrough
www.breakthrough.org.uk
Breast Cancer Campaign
www.breastcancercampaign.org
Macmillan Cancer Support
www.macmillan.org.uk
No More Breast Cancer Campaign
www.nomorebreastcancer.org.uk
Cancer Help UK
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
Action Cancer
www.actioncancer.org.uk
Ulster Cancer Foundation
www.ulstercancer.org
Who do you know who can help you?
There are many people who can help you if you are worried about your breasts or breast cancer. Write down the names of people you know who could help you in the spaces below:
- Family?
- Friends?
- Doctor?
- Nurse?
- Keyworker?
- Day Opportunities Co-ordinator?
- Advocate?
- Social Worker?
- Other?
My Boobs and Me – Image Version
