For the Love of Boobs

In Australia, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life.

We all hear and see the stories of its vicious invasion time and time again - it's a disease that doesn't discriminate.

My family and I endured the devastating effects of breast cancer on a very personal level, with my maternal grandmother losing her battle in 2008 after being free of its carcenogenic strong hold for 12 years.

It returned in her bones as secondary breast cancer and from the time she was diagnosed until she left us, it was only three short months.

Her breast cancer was caused as a direct result of having undergone hormone replacement therapy during menopause; a treatment remedy my mother was unable to seek relief from during the same stage of her life and one that I will not be able to reap any reward from either when my body is in a state of bonkers because my eggs have reached their use by date. 

However, what most women don't understand is that 90 to 95% of breast cancer diagnoses have NO genetic factors involved. Nada. Zilch. Zip. Absolutely none. 

What most women thankfully do understand though is that early detection is key to swift and more effective treatment and we are lucky to possess such an astute awareness of what we need to do to look after our breasts' well being.

Whether you are 25 or 55, it is important to nurture a great relationship with your boobs. 

Self breast checks should occur on a monthly basis; it's important to get acquainted with your lady lumps so you are able to identify any changes in breast tissue or the presence of an abnormal mass or lump.

If you don't trust yourself to remember, bring your husband or partner on board. I'm sure they will have no gripes about getting a free pass at a cheeky fondle for a good cause.

When you hit 50, mammograms should be on your 'to-do' list every two years.                                                                              

I'm sure once my girls have been squished once or twice, I'll probably be more empathetic but for now I think it can't be so uncomfortable that you'd rather not do it and just hope for the best...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it provides a constant reminder for 31 days of how important it is to be educated, aware and proactive in the fight to rid Australia of breast cancer fatality by 2030.

Tomorrow evening my mother will be hosting a "Spring Into Racing" fundraising event through her consignment boutique, Red Finch Boutique, to benefit the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

BCNA works to ensure that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families, receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible.

Maxine Morand, CEO of BCNA, will be the very special guest speaker and I know everyone who has been involved in organising the event is so excited that she will be in attendance.

And just because you can't be with us out in leafy Eltham town tomorrow night, it doesn't mean you can't help make a difference. 

In memory of my grandmother and for every other woman who has faced the fight against breast cancer, I have set up a fundraising page here that you can contribute to.

Organisations like the BCNA would not be able to do their incredible and irreplaceable work without the generous help of our community.

Every dollar counts so, for the love of boobs, please donate to make a difference.

And remember ladies - feel them up, flatten them out and embrace the unmeasurable power of prevention and early detection to 'nip' breast cancer in the bud.