BOOBS: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE

The Beginner’s Guide to Boobs

With 150 people in the UK being diagnosed with breast cancer every day, it’s important that we, as a society, celebrate, care for, and check our own boobs.

Image by Lane Craigie

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, affecting over 55,000 people every year. Cancer research is always evolving, but without a cure it still has the ability to affect anyone, regardless of their gender. It is most common in those assigned female at birth, with 1 in 7 being diagnosed at some point during their lifetime. That’s not to say that those assigned male at birth can’t get it, and no matter who you are it is important to check your breasts at least once a month. Research shows that diagnosis in the early stage has a 98% survival rate (of 5 years or more) compared to diagnosis in the later stages dropping to 26% survival rate (of 5 years or more).

With everyone owning their own set of breasts, they should be celebrated and cared for. Big or small, checking monthly is vital to ensure any abnormalities get checked out as early as possible. Checking your boobs needn’t be a chore, either. The easiest way to check them is to incorporate checking them into your shower routine as the water makes your hand move effortlessly over your skin, but it can be done any moment of your day. You could check before getting dressed for the day; just before getting into bed for the night; in the middle of a Netflix marathon. You know your own boobs better than anyone else, but there is nothing stopping you from having a friend or partner help you out!

Despite having a much lower chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s important that people who were assigned male at birth check monthly too. Typically having less breast tissue to work with, it should take a fraction of the time.

There isn’t an absolute guide to checking your boobs, but to ensure you don’t miss anything, just follow these handy steps: 1. Understand what your breasts usually feel like over the course of a month. There are many factors that people face – especially folk who are assigned female at birth – during a 4-week cycle, and it’s important to know what’s a period boob versus a potential breast cancer risk. 2. Raise both arms and look at your boobs in a mirror, turn to examine all angles of the breast – including the armpit area – note any abnormalities. 3. Lower one arm, and with this using the pads of your fingers, with a gentle yet firm press, slide along the surface of your boob, from the base of the armpit, sweep under, over and just below the collar bone – note any abnormalities. 4. Swap arms and repeat step 3 on your other breast.

Abnormalities you should be looking out for include: a change in shape, size or outline; a change in the feel of your skin, for example dimpling; a lump that doesn’t appear symmetrically; unusual nipple discharge or bleeding; a red and moist area on your nipple that doesn’t heal; change in nipple direction, for example being constantly Diagnosis in the early stage has a 98% inverted; any pain or survival rate compared to diagnosis in discomfort that is prolonged the later stages dropping to 26%. (information from the NHS and Coppafeel! charity). Breast cancer screenings are available but are only offered every 3 years to those over 50, whereas breast cancer can affect anyone of any age. The moment you start to develop breast tissue – which happens at a young age – you are at risk. Even if you receive the mammograms, breast screening, it is important to check your breasts between appointments. The disease isn’t necessarily hereditary either, with less than 10% of cases due to family history. If you do find an abnormality you need to make an appointment with your GP as soon as you can. It’s important to get it seen by a professional sooner rather than later – even if ends up being benign. At this appointment your GP will examine your breasts and determine if you need to be referred to a breast clinic or not. Being referred is not saying that you definitely have

breast cancer, it just means more tests will allow you to know what’s going on.

Lots of people may be embarrassed to take their shirt off in front of a GP or specialist, but it’s important to understand that they are just wanting to make sure you’re okay, and to get you necessary treatment should something not be right. That being said, if it makes you more comfortable to be seen by someone of your same gender, you are free to make this request.

Breast Cancer Awareness month runs for the whole of October but considering your boob health should be a monthly occurrence, if not more. It is vital to notice any abnormalities as soon as they appear, and not to leave them to fester and grow.

Should any abnormalities you find turn out to be cancerous, there are some treatments available – which, if the abnormality is caught early enough, should fully cure you. Mastectomy surgery is the first stage, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and sometimes hormone or targeted treatment (NHS, 2019).

It can be easy to forget to check your boobs, but some fun ways to remind yourself to do so include setting up a text reminder with Coppafeel!, own a BoobPot, or even a pair of Titty earrings!

The text reminders come from Coppafeel! on the first of every month. The reminder is a fun text with a simple opt out system at any time. The initial signup text is free, and there are no charges throughout, so there is no excuse not to check your boobs!

BoobPots are a fun and unique product that allow all breasts to be celebrated – the large, the tiny, and the . wonky TheBoobPotCompany specialise in ceramic pots with pairs of breasts, no two pots being identical. Every pot is

Image by Lane Craigie

different, featuring scars, skin conditions, and accessories; the possibilities are endless! The pots come in any colour imaginable, but there is emphasis on showcasing all of the variations of skin colours. With a focus on projecting these diversities, TheBoobPot Company offers an umpteen amount of premade BoobPot styles. There is also the option of sending TheBoobPotCompany owner, Esmé Fenton, a picture, drawing, or description of your own boobs and receive a completely personalised BoobPot!

EarTittyTitty is a relatively new brand offering various boob shapes on earrings to wear with pride. The owner, Phoebe Jones, offers commissions for more personalised boobs, along with newly released ash trays. Initially all profits from the sales went towards charities such as Mermaids, a charity which helps young trans people, and various breast cancer charities. As of recently, however, all the proceeds go towards their partner’s top surgery.

It’s important to celebrate your boobs, no matter what they look like. Whether you’ve had a single or double mastectomy from breast cancer, or top surgery for transitioning; or if you’ve got vitiligo or lots of freckles; or if you have tattoos or piercings; every boob is valid.

As everyone has breasts, it’s important to understand that they are not inherently sexual. They are lumps of fat and tissue. The only difference being some people have bigger ones than others, and some people are able to breast feed from theirs. Removing the stigma that surrounds “female” breasts and nipples is a key stage to normalising the monthly boob check. It is a way that will allow people who were assigned male at birth to understand the importance of checking, and the risk they are at of breast cancer as well. By detaching our preconceived notions of boob = sex, we will be able to show breasts and nipples on media in an informative and educational way, without people being disgusted or ashamed.

With breast cancer being a very serious topic, it’s important for us to look at the lighter side of things, appreciating our breasts and taking care of them. Checking monthly is vital for an early diagnosis. Article by Lane Craigie

Image courtesy of Phoebe Jones

- To set up a free monthly boob check text reminder with the RGU Uni Boob Team, text “UBT RGU” to 70500

- For your own Boob Pot visit @theboobpotcompany on Instagram and Etsy - More information regarding Breast Cancer awareness can be found on the Cancer Research UK website, Coppafeel! website, and the Breast Cancer Now website

Image courtesy of @theboobpotcompany

Witch please!

Inspired by 90s cult classics “Clueless” and “The Craft”, become bewitched with these preppy styles fit for a witch

Credits; Modelling- Becky Sutherland, Lane Craigie Photography - Roisin Gibson Styling - Lane Craigie

Becky wears; Dress, Belt - Primark Lane wears; Jacket, Shirt - H&M Waistcoat - Primark Skirt, Shoes - New Look Socks - River Island

Lane wears; Dress - Zara Belt - H&M

Lane wears; Shirt, Skirt, Tights, Boots - H&M Brassiere - Boux Avenue Jewellery - Model’s own Becky wears; Shirt - H&M Crop vest, skirt - Primark Shoes - Koi Footwear

Becky wears; Jumper, Accessory - H&M Skirt, Socks, Boots - Peacocks Tights - Primark Hair accessories - New Look Jewellery - Model’s own

Becky wears; T-shirt - Warehouse Cardigan - H&M Skirt - Apricot Socks - River Island Shoes - Koi Footwear Bag - Peacocks

Lane wears; Top, Boots, Hair accessory, Bag - H&M Dress - New Look Tights - Primark

GET A GRIP ON GREEN

Make the world green with envy

Ellie wears; Mask, Stylist’s own Necklace, Seol & Gold Rings, ASOS & Primark Body Suit, New Look Skirt, Bershka Bag, Topshop

Lauren wears; Top, H&M Jacket, ASOS Trousers, PrettyLittleThing Shoes, Vans

Ellie wears; Facemask, Stylist’s own Shirt, Wednesday’s Girl Top, New Look Jeans, AliExpress Rings, ASOS & Primark Necklace, Seol & Gold Bag, ASOS

Lauren wears; Dress, Nasty Gal Top & Belt, PrettyLittleThing Boots, Primark Bag, ASOS

Anna wears; Mask, Stylist’s own Top, ASOS Flares & Bag, Topshop Shoes, Reebok Jewellery, Stylist’s own

Top: Asos Jeans: Bershka

ON THE NEON BRING

Top: Warehouse Bag: Topshop Jewellery: Pandora Trousers: Miss Selfridge

Jewellery: Pandora Jumpsuit: Miss Selfridge Umbrella: Primark £5

Glasses: Calvin Klein Sweater: Warehouse

Jumpsuit: Miss Selfridge Jewellery: Pandora Watch: Apple Belt: Model’s Own Leather Jacket: Primark £25 Shoes: Nike

White Top: Zara Leopard Top: H&M Bag: Model’s Own Jewellery: Accessorize Necklace: ASOS Trousers: Zara Glasses: £129

Stand Out at Home

Be your unique self even if nobody is watching

Cat is wearing: Dress: H&M Belt: Thrifted

Styled, Photographed & Directed by Veronica Merigliano Make-up by Ella Duncan Modelled by Cat MacIver & Davis Reid

Davis is wearing: Leather Jacket: All Saints Shirt: Next Trousers: ASOS Cat is wearing: Jacket: Benetton Jumpsuit: Urban Outfitters Choker: Thrifted

Davis is wearing: Jacket: Benetton Top: Penguin Trousers: Benetton

Don’t Let Quarantine Stop You From Being You.

MODELS: GEORGE COWAN & KENAH TOSH MAKEUP & LIGHTING: BETH FORBES PHOTOGRAPHERS: KENAH & LEAH TOSH STYLIST: KENAH TOSH BRA: SAVAGE X FENTY £49.95

STUCK WITH U

JUST BECAUSE YOUR STUCK INDOORS, DOESN’T MEAN FASHION IS LOCKED AWAY

ROBE: ASOS £20.15 BRALETTE: SAVAGE X FENTY £20 VEST: ASOS £10, CHOKER: ASOS £14

CORSET: SAVAGE X FENTY £70