National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every year, millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer, and in the United States alone, it’s predicted to take the lives of over forty thousand women this year (American Cancer Society). This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our goal is to highlight the importance of breast health and to encourage prevention and early detection.

Self Awareness

One of the most important things you can do for your breast health is to maintain awareness of what your breasts look and feel like normally. While the American Cancer Society no longer recommends formal self-exams for women with average risk, nearly forty percent of breast cancer diagnoses are the result of someone noticing differences in their breast tissue and then consulting a health care professional (ACS; Roth et al.). Therefore, by staying conscious of any changes you feel or see, you are being a huge advocate for your health.

Integrate breast self-awareness into your routine. Make sure to consult with your doctor if you notice any changes such as a lump, discharge other than breast milk, swelling, shape and size changes, skin irritation, skin thickening or dimpling, swollen lymph nodes in the armpit, etc. If you did notice a change and you’re feeling worried in the time before your appointment, remember that benign breast changes and tumors are very common, and not all changes mean cancer.

While formal breast self-exams aren’t necessary, some women like to perform them regularly, anyway. If that’s you, take a look at this guide from the National Breast Cancer Foundation. If you are still menstruating, make sure to wait at least a few days after your period before performing a breast self-exam to prevent natural inflammation from influencing your results.

Screening

Women at an average risk of breast cancer (no breast cancer history, breast cancer in the family, known genetic mutations, or chest radiation before age thirty) are recommended to get a mammogram yearly after age forty. Women at high risk are recommended to get a mammogram every year after thirty. Breast screening is often lifesaving because it can catch breast cancer in its early stages. To set up an appointment, call your primary care doctor, obstetrician/gynecologist, or a hospital near you.

Other Related Wellness Tips

While self-awareness and regular screening are the most important tools for ensuring your breast health, other wellness techniques may also be helpful. For example, while scientists have yet to establish a firm link between mental health and cancer, stress and anxiety have been linked to an increased chance of many chronic diseases. To ensure overall well-being:

• Reduce stress: self-care techniques like conscious breathing, yoga, and gentle exercise can decrease your stress levels and help you return to a grounded state.
• Feel content in your body: with the many unrealistic standards that our culture sets for beauty, it can be difficult to love and appreciate your body just as it is. When practicing self-awareness, including of your breasts, always treat yourself with love and acceptance. If you’ve entered into a cycle of negative thoughts, try replacing them with positive affirmations.

Conclusion

We hope we’ve inspired you to take actions to prevent breast cancer and promote your overall health.