Since so much of our bingo community is made up of women, this one feels close to home, so let me have a quick, important word. And it's heartening to see a few names from our own bingo world quietly getting behind it this month too, but more on that in a bit. We thought we'd do our bit as well, which is exactly why you're reading this. So first, the important stuff.

Breast cancer touches so many of us, be it you, your mam, your sister, your best mate or the lady you natter to every night in the chat rooms. It doesn't pick favourites. And the single best thing any of us can do is get to know what's normal for us, so we spot when something isn't.

How to Check Yourself: Touch, Look, Check

Breast Cancer Now has a simple message that's easy to remember: Touch, Look, Check.

Touch your breasts or chest and feel for anything new or unusual. Don't forget right up to your collarbone and under your armpits too.

Look for any changes, things like dimpling or puckering of the skin, redness or a rash, a change in size or shape, nipple changes, or any unusual discharge.

Check anything new or unusual with your GP. Most changes turn out to be nothing to worry about, but it's always best to get them looked at.

And this isn't just a women's thing. Breast cancer can affect people of all genders, so everyone should know what's normal for them. Blokes included.

Here's the thing I really want you to take away: there's no need to panic, but there is every reason to be aware. The earlier anything is spotted, the more can be done about it, and that's true for so many of us who've beaten this thing because we caught it in good time. A two-minute check in the shower or getting dressed is all it takes. Make it a habit, the same as you'd never miss your Saturday night game, and it just becomes part of looking after yourself.

Where to Get the Real Information

I'm a bingo lass, not a doctor, so please don't take your health advice from me. For the real, trusted stuff, have a look at Breast Cancer Now or the NHS. And a quick, important note: checking yourself is brilliant, but it doesn't replace your NHS breast screening when you're invited, so please go to those too.

That's the bit that matters most, so if you take nothing else from me today, take that. But there's some lovely stuff happening across our bingo world this month too, and a few easy ways you can join in if you fancy.