Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Prioritising Your Sexual Wellness and Self-Care

As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to recognise not only the physical

health impacts of breast cancer but also the emotional and sexual wellness aspects that are often

affected by a diagnosis and treatment. Whether you are undergoing treatment, recovering, or

supporting someone, taking care of your body and mind remains crucial throughout the journey.

One key part of breast cancer awareness is understanding how to perform regular self-examinations,

which play an important role in early detection.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

Regular self-examinations are an important part of monitoring your breast health. Early detection of

breast cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Here’s how to do a self-

exam in a few easy steps:

Step 1: In the Shower

While standing or sitting in the shower, use the pads of your fingers to move around your

entire breast in a circular motion. Start from the outside and work your way toward the

centre, covering the entire breast and armpit area. You’re feeling for any lumps, thickening,

or hardening of tissue. Pay attention to any changes in texture.

Step 2: In Front of a Mirror

Stand in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides, and then raise them overhead. Look

for any visible changes in your breasts, such as:

◦ Dimpling of the skin

◦ Changes in breast size or shape

◦ Swelling or puckering

◦ Inverted nipples or discharge (if not breastfeeding)

Next, place your hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles. Observe for any visible

asymmetry or unusual changes on one side of the breasts.

Step 3: Lying Down

Lie down flat on your back, which helps to spread the breast tissue evenly over your chest

wall. Using the pads of your fingers, repeat the circular motions on both breasts, starting

from the outer edges and working inward. Be thorough and take your time covering the

whole area, including the armpit. It’s often easier to feel for lumps in this position.

Step 4: Know What to Look For

Besides lumps, look out for other changes such as:

◦ Unexplained pain or discomfort

◦ Nipple discharge

◦ Redness, rash, or swelling

If you notice any changes or irregularities, it’s important to follow up with a healthcare professional

for further evaluation.

Why Breast Health is Part of Self-Care

Sexual wellness and self-care go hand in hand. Feeling connected to your body after breast cancer

treatment, or while going through it, can be difficult. It’s common to experience changes in body

image, decreased libido, or discomfort during intimacy, all of which can affect your sense of sexual

wellness. Acknowledging these changes and giving yourself the time and space to heal is crucial.

Being proactive about your breast health—through regular self-exams and checkups—helps you

feel empowered and in control of your body. Cancer awareness also includes recognising that self-

care is not just about physical health but also about emotional and sexual well-being. Taking the

time to perform regular checks is an act of love and care for yourself.

Supporting Your Sexual Wellness During Breast Cancer Recovery

Breast cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can leave physical and emotional

scars, which may impact how you experience intimacy and pleasure. Here are a few tips to help

reconnect with your body during and after treatment:

1. Gentle Exploration: Take the time to get reacquainted with your body. It’s important to

rediscover what feels good, whether through solo exploration or with a partner. Focus on the

areas that bring you comfort and pleasure.

2. moisturised & Comfort: Treatments can often cause dryness or sensitivity, especially in

intimate areas. Using soothing oils or moisturisers can provide relief and make intimacy

more comfortable.

3. Communicate Your Needs: If you have a partner, open communication is key. Let them

know how you’re feeling physically and emotionally. Intimacy should be a comforting and

healing experience, so expressing your boundaries and desires is essential.

4. Give Yourself Time: Healing is a journey. Be patient with yourself and allow time to feel

reconnected with your body and your sexual wellness. You deserve to feel pleasure, comfort,

and confidence.

Get Involved: Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide, but early detection and regular self-exams can

make a huge difference. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remind yourself and others to

make breast health a priority. Whether you’re checking in with your body through self-examinations

or supporting a loved one, being proactive can save lives.

Taking care of your body—physically, emotionally, and sexually—is essential. Lets honour Breast

Cancer Awareness Month by nurturing our bodies with the love and attention they deserve.