Growing up, I knew breast cancer existed, but I didn’t really understand why checking mattered. It wasn’t until couple of years ago when my mum started working as a community breast nurse educator for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, that it clicked for me.

I had always just assumed it was something to worry about later in life. But then I realised I needed to start doing this now.

I was 20 years old when I started checking my breasts. Mum brought home “Bessie”, the model used at her education sessions in the community, to show me how to check properly, as well as how firmly and deep you need to press.

I remember thinking, “oh my gosh, that is how firmly you should press? Okay, I get it now”. Because some changes hide underneath the surface, you actually need to press quite firmly - more than you would expect - to find the lumps that can be deeper below the surface.

I try to check on the first of every month, though realistically it can end up being four to six weeks apart. Most of the time I do it in the shower, because it is already part of my routine and doesn’t take anything extra. I also try to notice things when I am getting changed, standing in front of the mirror, or getting ready for bed. It really doesn’t need to take up a big part of your day. And the good thing it you can pretty much do it alongside something you are already doing - like having a shower.

And there is no wrong way to do it. As long as you are doing it regularly and pressing down deep enough, you’re getting to know your normal so you can spot any changes if they do happen.

I talked to a friend at work who was genuinely shocked that you should start checking before you turn 45, which is when free mammograms currently start. She assumed, like I once did, that it wasn’t something to think about yet. I told her that you should get to know what is normal for you long before you ever need a mammogram. Get into the habit now, and it will help you later in life.

My message to other young women is to just do it. Find a way to make it part of something you are already doing, whether that is in the shower, getting dressed, or before bed. Getting into the habit now means it becomes second nature, and that will mean you can spot any changes in the future much easier.