1208 views

Get to know your boobs and it could just save your life!

That is the message being shared with staff and students at Stockton Riverside College from breast cancer charity, CoppaFeel.

Did you know one in eight women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime.

And it’s not just the girls that need to listen up as 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.

“Early detection is the best form of defence,” said the charity’s volunteer and “Boobette”, Tracie Gledhill, who paid a visit to the College this week.

That’s why, she said: “It is so important to understand what is normal for you.”

At CoppaFeel their aim is to encourage, educate and empower, and by sharing their message they are also helping to save lives.



Tracie understands more than most how important that is. Diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 herself, she had both of her breasts removed and also underwent extensive rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Despite all of that, she was told her cancer could not be cured and she knows that one day it will come back.

Now using her own story as way of reaching out to others, she said: “I can’t stay at home being angry with the world as it is not going to change it.

“The only thing I can change is by helping people not to be diagnosed at a later stage by making them aware of the importance of regularly checking themselves.”

If found early breast cancer is very treatable and survival rates are higher. And the good news is checking yourself is not hard to do.

At CoppaFeel they say you can check in any way that feels comfortable for you. The important thing is to be familiar with your body, know what is normal for you and to check yourself regularly, at least once a month. Click here for some tips.

So what are you checking for?

• Changes in skin texture e.g. puckering/dimpling
• Lumps and thickening
• Nipple discharge
• Nipple inversion and changes in direction
• Swelling in armpit or around the collar bone
• Constant or unusual pain in breast or armpit
• Sudden change in size or shape
• Rash or crusting of or around the nipple

And remember, if in doubt, get it checked out!

Tracie is quick to point out that if you do find something, most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it is always best to get them checked by your doctor.

Her message to all is to help spread the word. She said: “Checking is such a simple thing to do, we should all make it part of our everyday routine. We need to get over any embarrassment and talk about it. Get the message out to your family and friends.”

Stockton Riverside College’s tutorial and enrichment co-ordinator Betty Smildzina said: “Tracie visited us to hold a stall on the importance of self-checking in the prevention of breast cancer as part of our Alright SRC marketplace event. She informed our students on the vital statistics of cancer risks and essential tips on keeping yourself safe.

“We asked her to stick around to talk to our staff about this incredibly important topic. During her powerful and funny delivery I think we all reconsidered how well we take care of ourselves and made some resolutions to look after ourselves better.”

For more advice, tips and information visit the CoppaFeel website.
DSC_0528-1024x684.jpg DSC_0534-e1554198132930-684x1024.jpg
Share On: