Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. It’s also one of the leading causes of cancer death in women, with more than 1.3 million new cases diagnosed each year worldwide despite all advances in medicine. In Srilanka, 26% of our women experience this disease. For many women and men, it’s a subject they’d rather avoid thinking about. But it’s very important that we do.

No one knows your body better than you do! Breast Self-Awareness is simply being aware of what your breasts look and feel like on a regular basis so you can be on the lookout for any unusual changes and get them checked out by a doctor. Many cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative and visiting their doctor. The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chance of beating it.

Being breast aware simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the lookout for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. Lumps are vital to look out for – but there can be other important signs too. And even if you do find a lump, in most cases they turn out not to be cancerous. So stay calm – remain in control. It’s as simple as TLC... Touch your breasts. Can you feel anything unusual? Look for changes. Is there any change in shape or texture? Check anything unusual with your doctor.

There’s no special technique and you don’t need any training but the importance of this practice is immense. Make it a habit of doing this regularly ten days after your menstrual cycle – maybe when you’re in the bath or shower, or while getting dressed in the morning. You might prefer to do it while standing up or lying down. Either way, the important thing is to be familiar with how your breasts look and feel normally, so you notice anything unusual – and remember to check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.

Breast cancer hasn’t stopped for this pandemic. Breast cancer doesn’t stop for anything. We need your help to be there for everyone affected by it. Over the past year, as many as 3,500 has been diagnosed with the disease at a time when everything from treatment to screenings has been disrupted. The support our events provide and the hope The Indira Cancer Trust generates has never been more important.

You can help to create a future where all that changes. A future where people affected by breast cancer get to watch their children grow up and create a lifetime of memories with the people they love. A future where there is more hope and less fear.

With your support, we believe we can create a future where, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives – and is supported to live well.

With every bit of pink we wear, we’re making that future possible.