Boobs are funny, right? They have been ever since we worked out how to spell ‘boobs’ upside down on a calculator. Compared to ‘breasts’, ‘boobs’ is funnier. So are knockers, jugs, ‘the girls’ or whatever you want to call them.
I’ll let you in on a secret. My boobs are called ‘Perky and Perky’. This came about because an ex tried naming them ‘Pinky and Perky’, and I got upset that he only thought one of them was perky. So now both are. You can have that fact for free.
No matter which names you give to your boobs, you may still be at risk of getting breast cancer. That’s understandably a depressing thought. It’s not something many of us want to think about. But if it leads to a mastectomy, you won’t have a breast there to give a cute name to. Noticing the signs of cancer early could save your beloved boob.
So how do we get women to take more notice of their own boobs? I admit, for the larger-chested women out there it’s harder to forget they’re there. My sympathies for your shelved long-distance running careers. Back to my point…
Pink Ribbon Germany has a new website encouraging women to check their breasts regularly, and to get their friends to do the same. Well, not get their friends to check their breasts, that’d be a little odd.
Their method of boosting general awareness combines the cleverness of a push-up bra with the daring and cheeky attitude of a lacy plunge bra. And it makes women feel more supported. Gosh, I could make bra jokes all day.
‘Check It Before It’s Removed’ uses wordplay and social media links to make the point. On Instagram and Facebook, you’re not allowed to post a photo with a visible nipple in it – the image will be swiftly removed. Just like your boob would be if you get a cancer diagnosis that’s not all that encouraging. Photos of post-mastectomy scarring are apparently okay on Instagram, but nobody really wants to get to that point.
Pink Ribbon wants you to share their pics of women posing with a breast exposed, raising awareness with your followers before it gets taken down. They’ve provided images with their caption already visible – this also means you don’t have to share your own boobs to make the point.
Visit Check It Before It’s Removed for advice on checking your breasts for signs of cancer, and to post a photo to your Instagram or Facebook account.
