October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A time for remembrance, education, and empowerment. Here at Yoni Pleasure Palace, we honour the sacredness of the body and the powerful connection we share with our breasts as symbols of femininity, sensuality, nurture, and self-love.
This month, we honour those who have fought, are fighting, or have lost their lives to breast cancer. Whether you’re a survivor, currently undergoing treatment, or grieving the loss of a loved one, we hold you in our hearts. Early detection saves lives and this October, we're here to gently guide you in taking charge of your breast health.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia. In fact, 1 in 7 Australian women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. But here’s the powerful truth: when detected early, breast cancer has a 92% survival rate. Knowing your breasts, how they look, how they feel, how they change throughout your cycle is an act of radical self-love and powerful prevention.
Checking your breasts doesn't need to be scary or clinical. It can be part of your monthly self-care ritual. An act of love, curiosity, and connection to your own body. Here's how to do it:
When Should You Check?
- Once a month
- Ideally a few days after your period ends (when breasts are less swollen or tender)
- If you’re post-menopausal, choose the same day each month (e.g. the 1st of every month)
Step-by-Step: Self-Breast Exam
1. Look in the Mirror
- Stand with your shoulders straight and arms on your hips.
- Look for changes in shape, size, or symmetry.
- Check for dimpling, puckering, redness, rashes, or changes in the nipple (e.g. inversion or discharge).
2. Raise Your Arms
- Raise both arms overhead and look for the same visual changes.
- Check if both breasts move evenly.
3. Feel Your Breasts – Standing Up
- Use the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips.
- Move in a circular motion from the outer breast to the centre, covering the whole area (including up to your collarbone and under your armpits).
- Vary your pressure: light, medium, and firm to feel all layers.
4. Feel Your Breasts – Lying Down
- Lie on your back with a pillow under one shoulder and the same side arm behind your head.
- Use your opposite hand to feel your breast with the same technique, circles, different pressures, full coverage.
- Repeat on the other side.
What to feel for:
- A new lump or thickened area
- A hard knot or area that feels different from the rest
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
- A change in size or shape
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or clear and not milky)
- Pain that doesn’t go away
Most breast changes are not cancer, but get anything unusual checked by a GP right away.
Your partner can play an important role in your breast health, not only in your pleasure and connection, but also as another set of loving, attentive hands.
How to Involve Your Partner:
-
Start the Conversation
-
Explain what your normal breasts feel like
-
Encourage gentle touch and curiosity, not fear
-
Guide Them During Intimate Moments
-
Let them feel what’s normal for you during massage or foreplay
-
Show them how you check your breasts
-
Create a Monthly Ritual
-
Make it sacred, light candles, play music, turn it into a massage exchange or connection ritual
-
Empower them to be part of your wellbeing, not just your pleasure
When a partner knows your body well, they may notice changes that even you may not catch.
If you’ve undergone a mastectomy, single or double know that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just as much about you. Your story, your courage, and your body deserve deep reverence. Self-checks may look different after surgery, but staying connected to your chest and remaining aware of any changes in the scar tissue, skin, or surrounding area is still important. Gently feel along the chest wall, underarms, and incision sites for anything unusual, and keep up with your scheduled medical check-ups. Whether you choose to reconstruct, go flat, or embrace your body as it is, we see you. You are whole. You are powerful.
In Australia, women aged 50 to 74 are eligible for free mammograms every two years through BreastScreen Australia. However, women aged 40 to 49 and over 74 can still access free mammograms, you just need to ask. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or carry the BRCA gene, speak to your GP about starting screening earlier or having regular ultrasounds/MRI.
We know breast cancer isn’t just about lumps and scans. It’s a deeply personal, emotional journey that touches lives in more ways than one. Whether you've lost a loved one, supported a friend, or lived through the diagnosis yourself, your strength is not unseen.
Breasts are more than physical, they hold our stories, our memories, our intimacy. Let this October be about reverence and care. Let it be about awareness, not fear. Let it be a time to reconnect with your body and encourage others to do the same.
We believe self-touch is sacred, not just for pleasure, but for presence and connection. Let your next breast check be an act of tenderness. A moment of gratitude. A ritual of self-love.
Your body is your home. Treat it with devotion.
Resources & Support
If you’re going through breast cancer or supporting someone who is, you are not alone.
With Love & Knowledge,
Mikay
