PexelsThe bra has long been a key item in women’s wardrobes but today ladies are being encouraged to leave them at home.
That’s because today is officially No Bra Day so it is time to let loose to raise awareness for breast cancer.
Taking place on October 13 each year, in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the day encourages women to go braless for 24 hours sharing the hashtag #NoBraDay on social media emphasising the importance of carrying out self-examinations and being aware of the signs of breast cancer.
I use this medium to say RIP to two of my aunt's whom we lost to breast cancer. We the living shall use the #NoBraDay campaign to share the message of breast cancer awareness.
It is #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth, always check for signs of irregular lumps, and see a specialist. pic.twitter.com/NmqmcpIzIA— Chinonso (@OforbuikeCN) October 13, 2018
Beginning back in 2011 in Toronto, Canada, the social media movement has grew and grew now being celebrated in over 30 countries worldwide .
As well as going braless for the day, ladies are also encouraged to get a mammogram screening scheduled.
A mammogram screening could detect breast cancer up to two years before either a patient or doctor would notice it.
Anyone who doesn’t fancy going braless for the day can also get involved by wearing purple or donating to the Breast Cancer Care charity.
GettyAround 50,000 Brits are diagnosed with breast cancer every year with one in eight women developing the disease at some point in their lives.
The Breast Cancer Care charity recommends you check your breasts regularly reporting any unusual change which may be a symptom to the doctor.
The charity lists common signs and symptoms as including:
A change in size or shape
A lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
A change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
Redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
Your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
Liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
Pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time
A swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
Many people, both men and women, have taken to social media today to show their support sharing the hashtag.
A user named Tochukwu wrote about his mother died from breast cancer tweeting:
Twenty five years ago, Breast Cancer took away a wife, a sister and a daughter.
She’s my mother. As a family, we’re yet to fully recover from the impact.
Please, Go get examined.
Twenty five years ago, Breast Cancer took away a wife, a sister and a daughter.
She's my mother. As a family, we're yet to fully recover from the impact.
Please, Go get examined.#nobraday pic.twitter.com/TH0agQVGOx
— Tochukwu (@Asatsanchez) October 13, 2018
Nana encouraged other women to get a mammogram screening writing:
Yes, it’s no bra day today! Ladies, remember it’s important to get your mammograms done. Do the monthly self breast examination. Don’t take things lightly. Mammograms hurt a little but definitely it is bearable. Early detection can save you from lots of pain.
#NoBraDay: "Yes, it's no bra day today! Ladies, remember it's important to get your mammograms done. Do the monthly self breast examination. Don't take things lightly. Mammograms hurt a little but
definitely it is bearable. Early detention can save you from lots of pain." pic.twitter.com/7mEPhAS4jO— Nana Yaa Antwi Agyei (@NanaYaaAntwiAg1) October 13, 2018
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues, and want to speak to someone in confidence contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday – Friday, 9am – 8pm).
To find out more information about breast cancer or to speak to a specialist breast cancer nurse, you can visit the Breast Cancer Care charity’s website or ring their helpline on 0808 800 6000.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via [email protected]
