October can bring about various emotions for each of us—some choose to embrace the color pink to celebrate, while others prefer to quietly reflect during this month. Some may carry feelings of grief, while some may feel overlooked or misunderstood. Our aim is to validate all these diverse experiences. Let's delve into what you should be aware of when it comes to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is like when those cells in one or both of your breasts decide to throw a wild party and grow out of control. And guess what? Sometimes they get a bit too adventurous and decide to spread the poisonous love beyond your breasts. When that happens, we call it 'metastatic' cancer. It's like those cells just couldn't resist taking a vacation, but in all the wrong places.
Indicators and Telltale Signs of Breast Cancer
When it comes to breast cancer, we're all unique, and our bodies might send different signals – or none at all! But here's the deal: You've got to be BFFs with your own breasts. Know how they usually roll so you can spot any unexpected changes. And hey, while being your own detective is great, don't forget the power of those regular mammograms and check-ups. They're like your secret agents, catching breast cancer before it even thinks about showing itself!
● Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
● A little puffiness or some extra thickness in your breast tissue
● If your breast skin looks a bit like it's got some dimples or is feeling a tad irritated
● Maybe some rosy hue, flakiness, or added thickness around your nipple or on your breast skin
● If your nipple decides to give you more than just milk, like some unexpected discharge
● Any alterations in your breast's size or contour
● And if you're experiencing any discomfort or twinges in your breast area
Time to Glam Up and Get Checked!
Alright, ladies, let's spill the tea on mammograms! Think of them as your breast's own little photoshoot, but with a low-dose x-ray camera. Why are these snapshots so fab? Because catching breast cancer early is like having a secret weapon for boosting your survival odds. Mammograms? They're your BFFs in this game, spotting breast cancer when it's still in its 'easy-to-treat' phase, way before it decides to cause any drama. So, girl, don't be shy—have a chat with your healthcare sidekick to figure out when it's time to strike a pose and get those mammograms on your radar. It's all about staying fabulous and in control!
How Can I Minimize My Chances
When it comes to breast cancer risk, there's a whole mix of factors at play, like your family tree and the sands of time marching on. Now, let's be real, there's no foolproof way to dodge it altogether, but guess what? Your fabulous lifestyle choices can totally give it a run for its money! Here's the scoop on how to keep that breast cancer risk in check:
● Stay Fab & Fit: Keep that bod in tip-top shape by maintaining a healthy weight and strutting your stuff with some regular exercise. It's all about feeling fierce.
● Sip Smart: When it comes to alcohol, moderation is key, darling. If you're going to enjoy a cocktail, make it a chic one. But remember, less is more!
● Talk to Your Doc: If you're on hormone replacement therapy or popping those birth control pills, have a heart-to-heart with your doc. They'll spill the deets on any potential risks.
● Embrace Your Superpower: If you're a mom or planning to be one, breastfeeding is like your superpower, babe. It's not just good for the kiddos; it can lower your own risk too!
● Family Matters: If breast cancer has a starring role in your family history, don't keep it a secret! Chat it up with your doc, and they'll spill the beans on how to lower your risk.
The Scoop on Breast Cancer Stats
You better believe it, breast cancer takes the crown as the reigning queen of diagnoses among American women.
Now, we've got to get real here. Black women are facing some unfair odds, with a higher risk of losing the battle against breast cancer compared to other women. It's partly because one in five Black women deals with the feisty triple-negative breast cancer more than any other squad.
A whopping 85% of breast cancers don't give a hoot about your family history. Nope, these rebels are all about genetic mutations that happen as we age and live our fabulous lives. It's not about the genes you inherit; it's about the ones life throws at you!
So, take a moment for the PINKY PROMISE PLEDGE and pinky swear that you will advocate for yourself and honor your breast health. Click here to take the pledge!
Comments