How well do you know your body? Sure, you live in it all day, every day, but it’s not uncommon for women to be absent-minded about some of the most important aspects of their bodies.
With 177,000 women being diagnosed with cancer each year in the UK – and one in two expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime – it’s more important than ever to be aware of certain things about your body. That way, you’ll be able to tell a lot earlier if something is awry.
Dr Eleanor Atkins, Clinical Fellow at Bupa UK, outlines some of the key things every woman should be conscious of, so we’re aware when potential warning signs crop up:
1. The date your period is due
‘It’s easy to forget the exact date of your monthly cycle and everyone’s is different,’ says Dr Atkins. But knowing your period inside out is important so you can tell if something’s wrong. ‘If your period is lighter or shorter than normal it may be a sign of physical or mental exhaustion caused by over exercising, a strict diet or stress,’ she notes, adding that ‘abnormal or irregular bleeding can be a sign of something serious’.
So if you experience heavier than normal periods, periods that last longer than you’re used to, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after sex, the doctor advises to speak to your GP as it could be a warning sign of cervical cancer. ‘Making a note in your diary of when you start and finish or using an app can make it easier to keep tabs on your cycle,’ she advises.
2. What your breasts feel like
It goes without saying that regularly checking your breasts can help with the early detection of breast cancer – but this relies on knowing what they feel like to begin with to detect anything unusual. ‘Due to hormones, your breasts may feel different at various time of the month so it is important to check them at the same time each month,’ Dr Atkins says.
We recommend checking your breasts a week after starting your period, make sure you’re examining from the middle of your chest and through to the underarm. It’s normal for your breasts to feel tender during your period, but if there’s any sign of a lump, changes in skin texture or appearance of nipples, it is important to seek medical advice.’
3. How often you go to the bathroom
‘We are all different and will use the bathroom with varying levels of frequency,’ Dr Atkins explains, noting it should never be something to feel embarrassed about. ‘Being aware of how frequently you urinate or empty your bowels and what comes out is one of many ways you can monitor how well your body is functioning. The consistency, colour or smell of your poo or urine can indicate whether you are hydrated enough; have a gastrointestinal problem; or suffering from something more serious such as cancer,’ she advises.
‘If you suddenly need to use the bathroom more often or your bowels are looser than normal, if it causes pain, or if you notice blood in your bowel movements or urine, talk to your doctor to see what may be causing this,’ the expert says. ‘It could be a sign of a digestive disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome, something common and benign like haemorrhoids, or something more serious such as bowel cancer.’
4. Where your moles are and what they look like
‘Having moles on your body isn’t necessarily a cause for concern as most are usually benign,’ explains the doctor. ‘However, it is important to be aware of what your moles normally look like and regularly check them to make sure they haven’t changed. Things to keep an eye out for include whether the mole has grown or its edges have become smudged or irregular, or it’s raised above the skin. These changes could signal that the mole has become cancerous and it needs to be removed,’ she adds.
5. How much you weigh
No – not so you can beat yourself up about how heavy you are. ‘Your weight can be another useful health indicator. Due to hormones, many women’s weight may fluctuate by a few pounds throughout the month. However, sudden or unexpected weight loss is a visible sign of a change within your body,’ explains Dr Atkins. ‘Sudden weight gain could be a result of hormonal imbalance and potentially a sign of the menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome or pregnancy. An unexplained weight loss could be a symptom of an overactive thyroid, gastroenteritis or something as serious as stomach or throat cancer.’
