Superdrug becomes first high street store to offer breast cancer checks to teach women the signs to watch out for
It aims to deliver over 100,000 breast checking appointments in the first year
SUPERDRUG has announced today that it'll now be offering consultations on how to carry out breast examinations in all of its 56 nurse clinics across the UK.
Working in partnership with the charity CoppaFeel!, the pharmacy chain aims to host over 100,000 non-touch breast cancer consultations in the first year.
The launch comes as shocking new research reveals how uncomfortable many of us are with discussing our boobs.
82 per cent of women and 63 per cent of men say they're on edge talking about changes in their breasts.
And that embarrassment is killing people.
Breast cancer still remains the most common cancer afflicting women, with around 54,900 new breast cancer cases being diagnosed in the UK every year. That's around 150 every day.
How to check your boobs
In the meantime, how about a refresher on which breast cancer symptoms to look out for?
FEEL:
- lumps and thickening:Some boobs are naturally lumpy and this can be perfectly normal. The key is to get to know how your boobs feel, so you would notice if any new lumps appear or if your boob starts to feel thicker in one area compared to the rest.
- constant and unusual pain in boob or armpit:Some breast pain can be perfectly normal, especially around your period. But keep an eye out for any unexplained pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time.
LOOK:
- a rash/crusting of the nipple: There are many reasons why your skin could become irritated, especially if you are breastfeeding, but if you notice any redness or a rash on the skin and/or around the nipple or any crusting of the nipple, make sure you get it checked out by your doctor.
- sudden changes in size/shape:Most women may naturally have one boob bigger than the other or experience their boobs gradually changing as they get older. If you notice a sudden, unusual change in size or shape then get it checked out.
- swelling/lump in armpit or collarbone:It's important to check not just your boob but your upper chest and armpit too, as these areas also contain breast tissue.
- changes in skin texture:This is why it is so important to feel AND look at your boobs. Dimpling and puckering of the skin can look similar to orange peel.
- nipple discharge:This is liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing it.
- inverted nipple/changes in direction:Your nipple has become pulled into the boob or looks different to usual. This could be a change in its position or shape. That’s why it is important to pay special attention to your nipple during your regular checks.
Source:
To combat the lack of conversation and knowledge on the subject, CoppaFeel! have trained Superdrug nurses on how to talk to patients who attend a clinic appointment about how and when to check themselves at home.
Sophie Dopierala, Director of Education and Health Comms at CoppaFeel! said: “Our annual research shows for most women who aren’t checking their breasts, knowledge on what to look for remains the main barrier.
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Superdrug. Using their trained nurses to encourage people on how to check their boobs or pecs will ensure we are reaching a whole new audience with the breast awareness message."
Researchers have today announced that deaths of breast cancer will decrease by 9 per cent in the next five years.
And that number will keep on improving so long as more of us know what we're looking out for and how to seek help.
Dr Pixie McKenna, Superdrug’s Health and Wellbeing ambassador, said, “Once you know how simple checking your breasts is, it can save your life.
"I am so pleased to see Superdrug nurses will be taking this initiative to all patients, everyone should be able to check whether on themselves or a partner, or even talking it through with a friend - the more conversations the better!”
The launch has been backed by Love Island’s Olivia Buckland whose own experience with a breast lump has inspired her to lead the campaign to make checking conversations the norm, on the high street, and across the UK.
Olivia said: “After finding a lump in my own breast in the past and having it removed, the chance to work with CoppaFeel! and Superdrug really resonated with me.
"It’s amazing that Superdrug is now offering this service on the high street with their friendly, trained nurses, making it accessible for everyone to have a breast or pec checking conversation.
"I want to work to normalise these checking conversations for everyone, and this launch is a big step closer to doing so.”
MORE ON BREAST CANCER
Keep forgetting to check your boobs? Sign up to CoppaFeel's .
They'll send you an SMS every month to jog your - or your partner's - minds!
And if you still feel unconfident, then book yourself into a Superdrug clinic.
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