Yananiso: Capacity building services for women and youth

Breast Cancer Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to start a much bigger conversation about women's health. Every October, we see pink ribbons, pink clothing and reminders to check for breast cancer. But perhaps the bigger question is: how well do we actually know our own bodies?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings attention to things we should already be thinking about - not just in October. It reminds us to pay attention to changes in our bodies and to take notice when something doesn't feel quite right. Since October gives us an opportunity to talk about issues that affect our health, breast cancer is a good place to start.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast develop abnormal changes and begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells can form a tumour and, if the cancer progresses, may spread to surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body. At its earliest stages, breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. This is one of the reasons appropriate breast cancer screening and knowing what is normal for your own body are important. When changes do occur, they may include:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit area
• Changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
• Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, scaling or redness
• Changes to the nipple, such as a newly inverted nipple
• Unusual nipple discharge

Not every change means cancer, however a new or unusual change should not simply be ignored. It is important to seek medical advice so that you can find out what is happening and, if necessary, what can be done about it.

The thought of having cancer is frightening for most of us. It can make us think about everything we could lose and make us feel as though our lives have suddenly been put on hold. But fear should not stop us from paying attention to our health. We don't need to live in fear of cancer. We need to learn to notice, ask questions and seek help when something doesn't feel right. 

The conversations around women's health shouldn't only happen when something goes wrong. So often, we keep quiet about things that concern us because we are afraid of appearing vulnerable, afraid of what people might think, or simply because we have become accustomed to putting ourselves last. Talking openly about our health can help someone else realise that they are not alone. It can encourage another woman to make that appointment she has been postponing. It can give someone the courage to ask a question they have been afraid to ask, and it can create a safe space where women can share their experiences without feeling judged.

As we begin October, think about one thing about your health that you have been meaning to pay more attention to. Maybe it's a check-up you've been postponing. Maybe it's a change you've noticed. Maybe it's simply taking better care of yourself. This month doesn't have to be only about wearing pink. It can be about knowing our bodies, paying attention to changes and taking our health seriously.

Breast cancer is our starting point, but over the coming weeks we'll also talk about cancer more broadly, prevention, early action, emotional wellbeing and the importance of women making their health a priority. Our health deserves our attention before something goes wrong.