Every October is breast cancer awareness month. Cancer is never something anyone plans for and this can be debilitating mentally and physically.
According to NationalBreastCancer.org, more than 250,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime alone in the United States.
Now’s the time to educate ourselves, be aware of the warning signs and put the pedal to the metal where our health is concerned. As women we’re so guilty of putting our health on the back burner. No better time to stop that habit than the present!!
3 Steps To Early Detection
Here’s what you should be asking yourself:
- What should I look for when examining my own breasts?
- When’s the right time to see my physician?
- When and how often should I get a mammogram?
The right time to see your physician is usually recommended at 35 years and older. However, if you or your family has a history or any other contributing factors to be concerned about then the time is now!
Typically a woman of age would get a once a year mammogram or more often within the year if family history and other factors contribute to the decision.
What To Look For When Examining Your Own Breasts
- Swelling-all or part of breast
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Redness, dryness or flakiness of nipple or breast
- Nipple discharge (outside of nursing)
- Swollen lymph nodes- can start underarm or around collarbone
According to cancer.org and nationalbreastcancer.org, the most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass.
It’s crucial to note that a mass can be painless, hard with irregular edges, but not limited to this description. It can also be tender, soft, round and painful. Because these are unpredictable symptoms, it’s vital to have your breasts checked by a medical professional.
Knowing what to look for should never take the place of mammograms and other screening tests!
Breast cancer can spread and get into the lymph system and/or blood stream.
Risk Factors That Contribute To Breast Cancer
A risk factor refers to anything that increases your chances of getting a disease.
Here are risk factors that can’t be changed:
- Family history
- Aging
Risk factors that can be changed:
- Alcohol consumption
- Being overweight or obese
- Oral contraceptives
- Birth control shot, birth control implants, IUDS, skin patches, vaginal rings (talk to your physician about the hormone in these methods of birth control that could fuel cancer growth)
- Hormone Therapy (post menopause)
- Breast implants
Lowering Our Risk
- Work towards staying at a healthy weight
- Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
- Eat more foods that promote a healthier lifestyle and have cancer fighting properties
- Preventative surgery (Prophylactic surgery is done in sensitive cases such as family history)
- Frequent doctor visits (every 6-12 months for breast exams)
- Yearly mammograms or MRI
*The American Cancer Society recommends 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise every week.
Cancer Fighting Foods To Include in Your Diet
- Apples
- grapefruit
- Pomegranate
- Berries- raspberries, blueberries, strawberries
- Soursop (the leaves have been said to be cancer preventative)
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Flaxseed
- Garlic
- Kale
- Dry beans, peas and lentils
- Spinach
- Walnuts
- Turmeric
- Moringa
Imaging Tests That Detect Breast Cancer
- Mammograms
- Breast ultrasound
- Breast MRI
- Biopsy (done when other tests show a change in the breast)
Women can qualify for free screenings and treatment via programs called “National Mammography Program” and “Patient Navigation Program”!
If uninsured, underinsured or low income then these programs can assist. The programs cover screenings, treatment, financial assistance, education, etc.
Here are some resources to do further research:
- NationalBreastCancer.org
- Cancer.org
I am not a physician or medical professional. I’m simply a woman who finds we need a call to action to discuss the uncomfortable yet concerning factors that could forever alter our lives.
Breast cancer and women’s breasts aren’t things we often talk about, but it’s a necessary conversation to be had with our moms, daughters, nieces, cousins and girlfriends.
Please speak to your physician and schedule your mammogram! The time is right. The time is now!
Subscribe now to get updates and new post notifications. Share a story in the comment section of someone in your life whose story needs to be told…
*Even if you have no identifiable symptoms, many women with breast cancer have NO SYMPTOMS!
