Breast Cancer Awareness Month is upon us and is something very close to my heart (pun intended) as I know women who have been affected by this in some way. I won’t give you all the stats as you can go to www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz and read up on them however, there are two things I want to address – one boobs related and one photography related.

Firstly, ladies please check your breasts regularly. Make a date with your boobs, ideally each month and get to know them intimately. Here are three techniques you can use when self-examining the girls:

IN THE SHOWER
Using the pads of your fingers, move them around the entire breast in a circular pattern, moving from the outside to the center. Check the entire breast and armpit area feeling for any lump, thickening or hardening lump.

IN FRONT OF A MIRROR
Visually inspect your boobs with your arms at your sides, then raise your arms high overhead. You are looking for any changes in contour, any swelling, dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples.
Next rest your palms on your hips are press firmly to flex your chest muscles, again looking for any visible changes.

LYING DOWN
While lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand move the pads of your fingers around your right breast area and armpit using light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple, check for discharge and lumps.
Repeat with your left arm.

If you notice any changes PLEASE get them checked out by your doctor.

For more information visit https://www.breastcancerfounda... to find out more.

Now onto the photography part of this. I want to talk about Project Fight like a Girl.
Born from a passion to empower women to love themselves and a mission to bring awareness to the number one cancer affecting women, Project Fight like a Girl was created.
It is a project for women whose lives have been affected by breast cancer to celebrate their strength and share their stories.
I want to showcase the stories of 25 women to shed light on the strength of those affected by breast cancer. My aim is to create a space to share, without judgement, their journeys, to provide an empowering experience to show each woman they are strong and beautiful in their own unique way.

If you want to get involved or have a story to share, email me at jessie@jessiemaree.com for more information.

Love,
Jessie x