Know Your Body: Essential Steps For Breast Cancer Awareness

It’s a time to share stories, encourage screenings, and remind one another that awareness and early detection can make a real difference. Beyond the pink ribbons and events, it’s about our mothers, sisters, friends and neighbours – and the ongoing effort to support them with knowledge, compassion and care.

In Jamaica, breast cancer is one of the most common and deadliest cancers among women. It's a disease that doesn’t just affect one person; it sends ripples of worry and stress through our homes and communities. A diagnosis is an emotional rollercoaster that demands huge strength from the person going through it and nonstop support from family trying to juggle work, treatment and everyday life.

The truth is, breast cancer is a harsh reality that has touched far too many families across Jamaica. This October, let’s make it our mission to move past the fear and arm ourselves with knowledge. We need to talk openly, share the essential information and empower every woman to take control of her health. This is the most powerful way we can save lives.

We all know the saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is truly lifesaving.

Think about spotting a tiny leak before it floods your whole house. That’s what early screening does. When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stages, often before you even notice any signs, the tumor is usually smaller, contained and far easier to treat successfully. This drastically increases survival rates and reduces the need for aggressive, complicated treatments.

What do you need to do?

• Monthly Self-Exams: Know your body! Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. If you feel any new lump, thickening, or notice a change in size or shape, see a doctor immediately.
• Clinical Breast Exams (CBE): A thorough check by a trained healthcare professional during your regular check-ups.
• Mammograms: These X-ray screenings are vital for women, especially those over 40. They can detect changes years before they can be felt. Do not delay your mammogram.

Being aware means recognizing the warning signs. If you experience any of the following, do not hesitate – make an appointment with your doctor right away:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area.
• A change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Puckering or dimpling of the skin (like the skin of an orange).
• Nipple changes such as an inverted nipple, redness, or peeling.
• Any unusual discharge from the nipple.

Let this October remind us: your health comes first. By speaking openly, prioritizing screenings, and supporting each other, we can truly beat breast cancer.