A woman shared a selfie of her left breast to Facebook in the hopes of raising awareness about a rare, relatively unknown breast cancer symptom.
Urging both men and women to get checked regularly, UK-based wife and mother-of-two Claire Warner shared an image to Facebook of a small, semi-hidden dimple on her left breast as a caution.
Writing to friends and family on her private Facebook account, Warner explained: “I can’t feel the lump, even now that I know it’s there. I’m not ill. My only symptom is this dimple.”
Since posting the photo on July 5th, Warner’s selfie and story have gone viral, amassing over 25,000 shares in less than one week.
The photo has since been deleted, with Warner’s twitter account ‘@OfNoSpecialType’ revealing, “I do not wish to take part in any interviews or make any comments to anyone! Please respect my decision”.
Diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, the most common type of breast cancer, Warner’s tell-all Facebook post and subsequent tweets are encouraging women to make sure they are not just checking for lumps, and are having regular breast exams.
The 41-year-old has stressed to her followers, “PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check yourself and get your loved ones to check themselves also”.
Repeatedly tweeting #CheckForTheDimple, Warner will now have to undergo surgery to remove the lump, along with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
“I hope I’m one of the lucky ones”, Warner shared to her Facebook, “I’m every hope of being cured”.
The Cancer Council of NSW records that about 14,000 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
To be a part of Claire Warner’s journey, follow her @OfNotSpecialType on Twitter.
For more information or to book an appointment for a breast exam, please visit http://www.cancerscreening.gov.au/
