AS we age, our bodies undergo changes – however, when you have no control over what happens, it can be pretty challenging to cope with it.
Danielle Moore, a 34-year-old mum from Bristol, faced this struggle after undergoing an elective double mastectomy as part of her cancer treatment.
The mum found a lump whilst breastfeeding her son in 2020 – but at first, didn’t think much of it[/caption]
Danielle was 30 when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes[/caption]
As well as posing topless for Page 3, Danielle, from Bristol, now urges others to check themselves regularly[/caption]
Following the procedure – which removes all breast tissue – Danielle was subjected to cruel trolling, with some saying her new figure made her ”look like a boy”.
But the mum refused to let the negativity bring her down – and instead, Danielle chose to prove the haters wrong, making a powerful statement by posing topless for Page 3.
The shoot was part of the “One More Page 3” campaign, led by sex-positive adult film pioneer Erika Lust, with an aim to create the most empowering Page 3 shoot of all time.
Danielle’s goal is to get more people talking about body positivity, and normalise conversations around bodies that are considered “different”.
The strong mum documents her inspiring journey on Instagram, where her page, The Boob Battle, has amassed more than 22k followers.
Although it’s not been an easy journey by any means, Danielle’s determination to spread positivity and self-acceptance is admirable.
When asked what it was like to feature in the sexy campaign, Danielle said: “It was a great campaign for helping raise awareness of breast cancer, but also in showing body diversity which is such an important message. It really gave me a new level of confidence.”
Since then the mum has been concentrating on coping with the emotional aftermath of cancer.
Over the last year, she’s undergone therapy and has worked on her mental health, while also ensuring she enjoys plenty of time with her loved ones to make new memories with them.
Danielle bravely admitted the journey to loving her body is “hard and ongoing”, as it takes a lot to process everything.
When such a drastic change is not sought after, it naturally takes time to adjust – however, each day becomes slightly easier.
“I’ve accepted that it is what it is and I can’t change it, which helps with the process,” she added.
“My scars are a big part of me, and something you don’t often see on social media, as it’s usually a platform for showing just the ‘perfectly good bits of people’.
“I hope by showing it takes away the fear of cancer and also helps people not get sucked into the trap of feeling like you need to be perfect to be worthy.”
The inspiring mum also opened up about the “mixed bag” of reactions she gets on social media, with some negative comments from “closed minded people”.
How Should A Breast Self-Exam Be Performed?
In the shower
With the pads/flats of your 3 middle fingers, check the entire breast and armpit area, pressing down with light, medium, and firm pressure. Check both breasts each month, feeling for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes.
In front of a mirror
With your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts, looking for any changes in the contour or shape of the breasts, any dimpling, swelling, or other skin irregularities on or around the breasts, or any changes in the nipples.
Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or other changes, particularly on one side. Note that the left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts are perfectly symmetrical.
Lying Down
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your 3 middle fingers around your right breast, covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure to feel for any new lumps, thickenings, hardened knots, or any other breast changes. Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
But for the most part, Danielle sees support by people who appreciate seeing that not everyone looks “perfect” all the time.
As it’s currently Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Danielle is also encouraging others to check themselves more.
The mum was 30 when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes.
It was in November 2020 when Danielle noticed a lump whilst breastfeeding her son – but at first, she didn’t think much of it.
Danielle said: “Check yourself regularly, to know your normal, so that if anything does change you can get to the GP.
”You aren’t checking for cancer, you are simply being in check with your own body to know what’s normal for you.”
There are lots of obvious signs to look out for, such as a lump, nipple discharge, dimpling of the skin.
However, there may also be some not so obvious changes – which is why it’s so crucial to feel yourself regularly, Danielle emphasised.
