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DAY 7 — NI**LE CHANGES

Pay attention to new or unusual ni**le changes.

These may include:

• New ni**le inversion or retraction
• Scaling or persistent changes of the ni**le/areola
• A change in ni**le position
• Unusual discharge

Some ni**le changes have benign causes, but unexplained new changes should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Do not wait for pain before seeking help.

DAY 6 — SKIN CHANGES

Breast cancer can sometimes cause changes to the skin.

Look out for:

• Dimpling or puckering
• Unusual thickening
• Persistent redness
• Changes resembling an orange-peel texture
• Skin that appears pulled inward

These signs do not prove cancer.

They indicate that further clinical assessment may be necessary.

Visit The Lab message: Your skin can provide clues. Do not ignore persistent changes.

DAY 5 — CHANGES IN BREAST SIZE OR SHAPE

Have you noticed a new change in the size, shape or symmetry of one breast?

A change may have several causes, but a new unexplained alteration deserves attention.

Look for changes that are persistent or different from what is normal for you.

Remember:

A change is a reason to seek assessment—not a reason to panic.

Early presentation gives healthcare professionals an opportunity to investigate the problem appropriately.

DAY 4 — THE WARNING SIGN: A NEW LUMP

A new lump or area of thickening in the breast is one of the signs that should be medically assessed.

A lump does not automatically mean breast cancer. Breast lumps can have many causes.

The important message is:

Do not diagnose yourself. Do not ignore it. Get it assessed.

A healthcare professional may perform a clinical examination and recommend imaging and, when necessary, tissue sampling.

Visit The Lab reminder: Diagnosis requires evidence—not assumptions.

DAY 3 — KNOW YOUR NORMAL

Breast awareness begins with knowing what is normal for you.

Pay attention to changes in:

• Breast size or shape
• Skin appearance
• Ni**le position or appearance
• A new lump or thickening
• Unusual ni**le discharge
• Changes around the armpit

Do not panic when you notice a change. Many breast changes are caused by conditions other than cancer.

But a new or unusual change should not simply be ignored.

Know your normal. Notice changes. Seek professional assessment.

DAY 2 — WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in breast tissue grow uncontrollably and form a tumour.

Some breast cancers grow slowly. Others can be more aggressive.

The important point is that breast cancer is not one single disease. Different breast cancers can have different biological characteristics, which is why laboratory testing helps doctors understand the specific cancer affecting a patient.

Early diagnosis followed by appropriate treatment can improve outcomes.

Visit The Lab message: Understanding the disease is the first step toward informed care.

DAY 1 — OCTOBER 1

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH BEGINS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide and can occur in women of different ages. It can also affect men.

This month, Visit The Lab will take you through 31 days of practical education—from knowing the warning signs to understanding how laboratory medicine contributes to diagnosis and treatment.

Awareness is not about creating fear.

It is about knowing what to look for, knowing when to seek help and understanding what happens after you reach the hospital.

Visit The Lab message: Know. Check. Ask. Act.

VISIT THE LAB

31-DAY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EDUCATION SERIES

October 1–31, 2026

Campaign theme: Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters

Platform: Visit The Lab
Focus: Breast awareness • Early presentation • Diagnosis • Laboratory medicine • Treatment support • Patient education