October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month for all you boob-havers who didn’t know. However, breast cancer doesn’t work on a schedule, so we wanted to extend the reminder to all you lovely Neva Nudes to continue to get nude and keep an eye out for the signs.
But we’re not just about saving the tatas—we’re about saving lives. That’s why early detection is SUPER important, babes! The earlier breast cancer is found, the faster you can get help and kick cancer’s ass!
Here’s what you need to know about checkups, self-breast-checks and more.
What to Look For
Although your doctor should be the one to give you an official diagnosis (our bodies can do some weird things sometimes!!), there are a few early signs of breast cancer that every woman should be aware of.
You know when your boobs just don’t feel right. Whether your squish them into a bra every day or let them run wild and free (pastie-less or covered!), it should be pretty easy to tell when something is a little off in texture, size or general appearance. Keep an eye out for sudden changes—these are NOT normal and should be looked at by your doctor.
The nipples are one area of the breast that can change when cancer develops. Your nipples might feel tender or suddenly change shape, turning inward slightly or even inverting completely. They can also become swollen or scaly and even leak discharge. (If you’re not feeding a baby with your boobs but something’s coming out, please see a doctor!)
The breast tissue itself can also change. Pay close attention to the sudden appearance of any lumps or bumps on or below the surface of the breast and near the armpit. Changes in skin texture, dimpling, swelling or size in one breast are also red flags. If your boobs have always been twins and they suddenly look more like distant cousins, something is probably up.
Breast pain, although frustrating, is not generally a sign of breast cancer. That being said, your tatas shouldn’t be uncomfortable every day, so you should probably see a doctor about what could be going on.
Feel Em’ Up!
One of the best things you can do for your chest is cop a feel every once in a while to check for abnormalities. It’s recommended that you perform a breast self-exam once a month. This not only helps you get familiar with your breasts, so you notice changes sooner, but it can be instrumental in identifying lumps early on.
Make a point to start every month with some one-on-one time with your boobs. Use the pads of your fingers to feel around—including the armpit area and the center near the nipple—checking for lumps, firm areas or thickening.
Do this in front of a mirror (and say hello, sexy!), looking at your chest’s appearance to identify changes in texture, swelling or anything strange looking.
Finally, lay down on a bed or couch and allow your breasts to rest naturally against your chest. Move your fingers in circular motions on each breast once more to check for lumps.
If you find anything weird during your self-exam, such as sudden changes in appearance or lumps and bumps that weren’t there before, make an appointment with your doctor ASAP to have it checked out. Lumps aren’t always cancerous, but it’s way better to be safe than sorry!
Get Your Checkups
When’s the last time you’ve seen your doctor?? Clinical breast exams and mammograms are some of the only ways to detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt, so it’s super important to have a professional exam done regularly.
If you’re under 40, mammograms aren’t 100-percent necessary, but it’s still a good idea to have your gyno perform a clinical exam to be safe. If you’re over 40, a yearly mammogram is almost essential!
If you haven’t been to the doctor in forever, now’s the time to call and make that appointment.
Keep Those Tatas Safe!
Neva Nude is all about empowering women to feel sexy and strong, which is why we want you all to keep yourselves healthy and safe. Whether your tatas are big or small, even-shaped or one’s just a little bigger than the other, we love them—and we love YOU even more!
Remember to stay safe and sexy all year long, Neva Nudes. XOXO
