Following on from Ali Clarke revealing her breast cancer diagnosis to last week, Ali made a guest appearance in the studio this morning for a very special announcement.
Ali Clarke explains, “Well I have come in today because it is very special and I wanted to let all of our listeners know this.”
“Because of what I have gone through and because of what so many women are going through the KIIS Network, which includes Mix 102.3 and sister stations across Australia will be launching a national campaign urging everyone to perform regular self-breast checks.”
Kicking off today, we want to spend the first day of each month reminding listeners to check their breasts! We’ll ask “Have you felt yours lately?” with the goal to normalise and promote regular self-exams as a crucial health habit.
The response to Ali’s news has been overwhelming, creating what is now being called “The Ali Effect.” Following her announcement, BreastScreen SA recorded their second-biggest day of bookings ever, with 779 women scheduling breast screens. This surge in appointments was only surpassed by the day Kylie Minogue revealed her cancer diagnosis.
Ali Clarke continues, “We are encouraging everyone to feel their boobs or get friendly with their breasts on the first of every month. Because there isn’t a cure for breast cancer it is all about early prevention.”
“By dedicating a specific day each month, we aim to foster a national culture of proactive health management, empowering women to take charge of their well-being and reduce the incidence and death rates of breast cancer. This initiative will educate our audience on detecting the signs and symptoms of breast abnormalities, ultimately saving lives, and easing the burden on families and the healthcare system.”
Ali concluded, “It’s about early detection, and ask your girlfriends, wives, sisters and aunties… have you checked yours lately?”
HOW TO CHECK:
STEP 1: LOOK
Place your hands at your sides and visually examine your breasts in the mirror, checking for anything which is not normal for you breasts – LOOK for changes in colour, size or shape, any dimpling of the skin or “pulling-in” of the nipple.
Step 2: LIFT
Put your hands on your hips, push your shoulders forward to flex your chest muscles and finally, raise your hands over your head, looking again for any changes with each movement. LIFT one hand up and place it behind your head.
Step 3: FEEL
Using the pads on you fingers of your opposite hand, FEEL in small circular movements and examine all areas of your breast for anything unusual. At first, feel lightly checking for anything near the surface. Repeat, this time press firmly, feeling for anything deeper. Be consistent and ordered in the direction you check, making sure to check the entire breast, continuing up to your collarbone and out to the armpit.
1 in 7 women & 1 in 542 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their life.
If you see or feel something different or unusual while performing a breast self-examination see your GP without delay.
