The Loose Women have highlighted the importance of checking your breasts for signs of breast cancer with an examination on live TV.
Elizabeth Hurley, model and longstanding global ambassador for Estee Lauder’s Breast Cancer Campaign, joined panelists Kaye Adams, Brenda Edwards, Nadia Sawalha and Carol McGiffin in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The 57-year-old actress discussed the importance of people being breast aware and self-checking, as early detection and treatment can save lives.
Elizabeth shared that her own grandmother died of breast cancer when there was a lack of awareness around the disease, 27 years ago, which continues to inspire her to self-check today
‘Back then, 27 years ago, I’d just recently lost my grandmother to breast cancer and at that time, nobody talked about it. There was no pink ribbon. There was no Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ she said.
Strictly Come Dancing star Kaye added: ‘My own Grandmother had cancer and she wouldn’t even say the word.’
Nadia also shared: ‘Well, you’d always say, “The big C,” that’s all I ever heard. I mean for years I didn’t know what it meant as a child.’
Elizabeth went on to explain how her role as a campaign ambassador has actually helped her own friends, after a video she shared on social media urged them to make appointments.
‘During the pandemic, through our breast cancer campaign we did an Instagram post telling people about the importance of self checking,’ she told the panel.
‘And two friends of mine had seen my post, both in their forties, and they both checked themselves for the first time and both found lumps. Both went to the doctor, they were both diagnosed with cancer.
‘But they both found it really early. They would never have checked, had they not seen that post. The value of social media can really be put to good.’
The panel were then joined by Addie Mitchell, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, who led the Loose Women panellists through a live self-check demonstration with Nadia.
Addie said: ‘There’s a lot of fear of what they [women] might find. We know from research done that 30% of women do forget to check themselves, so therefore they wouldn’t necessarily find anything.
‘And we know there are cultural barriers as well to people attending GP’s with any changes… For certain cultures, of course, it’s a taboo to go to the GP – particularly a male healthcare professional.’
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have:
- A new breast lump.
- A new armpit lump.
- Nipple changes (change in nipple location, nipple inversion, nipple discharge, or skin changes around your nipple (such as eczema).
- Skin changes on the breasts (rashes or an ‘eczema’ appearance).
- Change in colour of the skin.
- Skin puckering or dimpling (where the skin appears ‘pulled in’).
The specialist said it’s ‘very different today’ thanks to the open conversations we have around health and how GP services can be more accessible, but noted that cancer is still a ‘life-threatening disease.
It is recommended to perform self-checks on your breasts regularly, even if you have not felt a lump in the past.
Checking your breasts every two weeks, or up to once a month, is advised, which you can do while looking in the mirror or in the shower, which some people find easier.
If anything feels out of the ordinary, even though it might be no cause for concern, your doctor can investigate further by asking questions about your family history and how you came to notice a lump.
It is likely you will be offered a breast examination and a referral if they think it is necessary.
Checking regularly and not ignoring anything unusual could save your life, hence why it’s important to get clued up on how to self-check.
Elizabeth Hurley joined Loose Women today as the Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Campaign marks its 30th Anniversary.
How should you check your breasts for lumps or irregularities?
Discussing the importance of being breast aware, Addie Mitchell, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, wants women to know there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts.
‘It’s about looking and feeling regularly so any changes can be spotted quickly,’ she said. ‘The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be.
‘Whatever your age, being aware of all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial – it’s not just a lump to look out for. Other changes could be a nipple becoming inverted or a change in texture of the skin.
‘While most symptoms won’t mean breast cancer, if you notice anything unusual for you get it checked out by your GP.
‘Anyone with questions can call Breast Cancer Now’s nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit breastcancernow.org.uk.’