These are the facts about No Bra Day, and it’s not about going topless.
1. The event has been running since 2011
2. Breast cancer awareness
The importance of early detection is emphasised on No Bra Day, as the day is used to raise awareness on the cancer which can be treated if detected early.
3. Breast self-examination
That leads us to self-examination. National No Bra Day aims to raise awareness on the importance of knowing how to carry out breast self-examinations, being able to recognise the symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging women to partake in regular breast cancer screening.
4. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The whole of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 14th is the ‘Big Pink’, an event encouraging people to organise events and wear pink to raise money and awareness for breast cancer care.
How does a woman go about checking her breasts for lumps then?
Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. If they aren’t equal in size or shape, that’s okay! Most women’s breasts aren’t.
Starting with a breast, with arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any breast skin changes. Look for any puckering, dimpling, sores, or discolouration.
Check your nipple and look for any sores, peeling, or change in their direction.
Place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breast. Turn from side to side so you can look at the outer part of your breast.
Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulder and elbow forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breast will fall forward. Look for any changes in its shape or contour.
Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your head forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breast’s outer portions. Remember to look at the border underneath. You may need to lift your breast with your hand to see it.
Check your nipple for discharge fluid. Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.
Stay healthy!
