TIME TO PRIORITISE BREAST CHECKS
THOSE who may have delayed their breast screenings or self-checks during the pandemic have been encouraged to make it a matter of priority.
BreastScreen Tasmania McGrath breast care nurse Fiona Dean said Breast Cancer Awareness Month was as good a time as any to prioritise
checks as one in seven women were diagnosed before they reached 85.
“Women can still access services as they normally would have done preCovid,” Ms Dean said. “It’s really easy to get in and get an appointment.”
Ms Dean said most women intended to self-check their breasts once a month and understood the importance of the ritual, but their intention-behaviour gap prevented
them from keeping on top of the task.
“Often life gets busy and we forget,” she said. A helpful way to remember to check your breasts, Ms Dean said, was scheduling the check at the same time every month.
But make sure it doesn’t coincide with your period, because breasts are prone to changing and becoming a “bit lumpier” during that time.
Ms Dean encouraged Tasmanian women of all ages to become familiar with the usual texture and shape and seek medical advice as soon as any changes or abnormalities are noticed.
“Anybody that has been reluctant to get a mammogram, hesitant or worried that they’ve been too afraid to open that box, now’s a great time to check,” Ms Dean said.
Visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au/ breastawareness