How important is it to take the time to look after your breasts and be aware of any changes? Looking after your breast health should be an essential part of your monthly routine as self-examination can help detect changes in the breast that can be one of the earliest signs of breast cancer. In this article, we will explore how self-exams play a role in promoting breast cancer awareness.
1. Taking Charge of Your Breasts: Breast Health Awareness
We all know that it is important to be aware of our health and take the proper steps to proactively protect it. When it comes to your breasts, taking the charge is a must! Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your breast health:
- Get familiar with your breasts. Knowing the normal look and feel of your breasts is important. This will help you to recognize any changes that occur and catch issues such as lumps or other changes early.
- Schedule check-ups. Make sure to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor or gynecologist. Early detection and treatment is key.
- Know the risks. Be aware of your risk factors, such as family history, age, lifestyle choices, etc., to know what you may be more at risk for.
Screening tests such as mammograms can also be helpful to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. There are other screenings as well which should be discussed with your doctor.
You can also take preventative steps to protect your breasts. This may include a healthy diet and regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and not smoking. If you want to go a step further, you can also consider supplements or natural methods.
Knowledge and awareness are power when it comes to understanding and taking care of your breasts. By taking the charge of your breast health, you can set yourself up for success when it comes to early detection and preventative care.
2. Make Sure You’re Up to Speed on Breast Cancer and Self-Exams
Know the Facts About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Knowing the facts about this disease can help you detect any developing issues early and promote better health outcomes. Keep in mind the following information to make sure you have the most up-to-date knowledge on breast cancer:
- Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women; it accounts for one in three cancers diagnosed in women.
- One in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Early detection is key. Make sure you know the recommended screening schedule for mammograms. Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can reveal signs that something’s not right and help detect breast cancer in its early stages.
- In 2020, an estimated 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States, along with 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
Breast Self-Exams: A Regular Tool for Early Detection
Performing breast self-exams (BSE) on a regular basis can serve as an important tool for early cancer detection. While BSE alone can’t diagnose cancer, it helps you become familiar with your body and how it changes throughout different seasons. Changes like lumps, dimpling, bumps, or puckering can be detected through BSE and may possibly be indicators of something sinister. Note that BSE should not take the place of routine clinical breast exams and mammograms. But if you’re a woman in her 20s or older, knowing how to do your exam correctly is a smart idea.
3. Identifying Breast Health Problem Signs
When it comes to breast health problems, it’s important to know the signs. Knowing what signs to look out for can help in early detection, which can greatly improve the outcome of treatment.
Breast Changes
- Look for any changes in the shape and size of the breast(s), such as swelling or shrinkage.
- Be aware of any changes in the texture of the skin, such as dimpling, puckering, or thickening.
- Assure that any symmetrical changes in the breasts remain symmetrical; a difference in the size or shape of one side can indicate a problem.
Lumps and Bumps
- Check for any lumps or bumps in the breasts. It’s important to note that lumps can form in the breasts of any health, gender, or age.
- If you find any lumps, be aware of their shape, size, texture, and whether they’re mobile.
- If you feel any unusual bumps in your armpits or near your breast, make sure to have them checked out.
Skin Irritation
- Be aware of any dimpling, puckering, or rashes on the skin; this could be an indication of a health problem.
- Look for any redness, warmth or swelling on the skin. This may look like a bruise, and can be a sign of infection.
- Pay attention to any tenderness, itchyness, or dry flaky spots on the skin. This can indicate an allergic reaction or infection.
By inspecting your breasts regularly and being aware of any unusual changes in the shape, size and texture of the skin around them, you can identify signs of breast health problems early. If you have any concerns about any changes, pain or discomfort, make sure to speak to a healthcare provider.
4. Strategies to Promote Better Breast Health Habits
It is no secret that our decisions have a direct impact on our breast health. The habits that we choose to follow can either increase or decrease our chances of getting breast cancer, which is why it is important to learn how to promote better breast health. Here are four effective strategies that you should consider.
- Take Control of Your Diet: Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk for breast cancer. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Choose foods that have low-fat and low-sugar content. Avoid processed foods and those that contain high amounts of sodium and saturated fats.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity is essential for breast health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This could include walking, jogging, biking, swimming, or any other form of cardiovascular exercise. Additionally, strength training can be beneficial as it helps to build muscle and increases metabolism.
- Get Your Screenings: Annual check-ups and mammograms are important for early detection of breast cancer. Speak to your doctor about the best screening schedule for you. Additionally, self-exams can be helpful for spotting any irregularities in the breasts.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of breast cancer, as it contains numerous harmful chemicals that can damage cells. If you currently smoke, consider quitting as soon as possible. There are many resources and programs available to help individuals quit smoking.
By incorporating these strategies into your lifestyle, you can take action today to promote better breast health.
5. Get Involved: Personal Stories of Breast Cancer Awareness Efforts
- Jacqueline H. – Jacqueline was inspired to get involved with the Breast Cancer Awareness movement when both of her aunts were diagnosed with the disease in the same year. She started by holding bake sales in her neighborhood, donating the proceeds to the local charity. She then took her efforts even further by leading walks and other awareness-building events in her community, helping to raise even more money and generate conversations about this important cause.
- José R. – José chose to use his talents in animation to help bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness. He created a series of short videos for social media, highlighting the stories of people who have been diagnosed and their positive outlooks in the face of adversity. With its impactful storytelling and creative visuals, José’s videos have been shared countless times and helped to raise hundreds of dollars for related charities.
- Shirley F. – Shirley used the success of her local business to chip in for the cause. She raised funds by hosting events at her restaurant, donating 10% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Awareness charity of her choice. In addition, she offered discounts to customers who purchased her products or services while wearing pink to promote the cause.
- Alex V. – Alex has been heavily involved in the Breast Cancer Awareness movement for years. He donates his time to work on fundraising projects, organizes awareness-building talks, and helps collect donations from his company and others. He is passionate about this cause and will continue to spread help awareness in his community in the years to come.
Knowing your own body, and having the skills to take on personal breast health is not only empowering, it could save your life! Take a stand against breast cancer and start your breast health journey today. With early detection, you can have peace of mind. It’s in your hands, take the steps to stay in control of your own breast health.
References:
1. National Cancer Institute. “Breast Self-Awareness: A Guide to Early Detection of Breast Cancer”. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/bse-guide-print
2. National Breast Cancer Foundation. “Breast Health & Self Examination Education”. https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-health-self-exam-education
