October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month, you are likely to see more people wearing pink clothing or ribbons. Many hospitals also try to raise awareness this month, so people know what to look for when screening themselves for breast lumps. Below are some easy things you can do at home to screen yourself, lower your risk of cancer, and help people who have breast cancer.
Screen Yourself
People who have breasts can screen themselves at home by feeling for lumps. While this self-screening is not conclusive as to whether a person has cancer or not, it can help to notice cancer early on. A formal breast exam done at a hospital will need to be done in order to confirm whether a person has cancer or not. BreastCancer.org has shared some helpful tips on how to do self-screening at home.
- Start by looking in the mirror to see if your breasts look unusual. This means looking unusual for yourself– not compared to anyone else. Abnormalities may include an odd shape or color or the breast or nipple.
- Raise your hands over your head as you continue to look in a mirror. This can give a different perspective that may make it easier to see hidden lumps.
- Check for fluid coming out of the breasts. Unless you are breastfeeding, about to start or stop breastfeeding, there should be no liquid of any kind coming out of your nipples.
- Lay down when initially checking for lumps. Use your opposite hand to check each breast. Start at the nipple and move outward. When doing this, try to feel for any abnormal lumps. If you feel something strange, check for it on the opposite breast. If it feels the same, it is likely that it is just a natural part of your breast.
- Feel your breasts again when you sit or stand. It is usually easiest to feel lumps when the skin is wet, like when you are showering or in the tub.
If you notice anything out of the ordinary, make an appointment with your doctor to have a mammogram. This will help to confirm or denounce the chance that you have breast cancer. It should also be noted that not all lumps are cancerous; some tumors are benign.
Take Preventative Measures
Some people are genetically predisposed to breast cancer if it runs in the family; this accounts for about 5-10% of breast cancer diagnoses. People who are at a higher genetic risk and others can do small things to help to lower their chances of getting breast cancer.
For the most part, this means avoiding harsh chemicals that are used (mostly) in cleaning supplies. Whenever possible, aim to use cleaners that use natural ingredients. Some harmful chemicals include phthalates, cadmium, and carcinogens.
Other than this, try to live as healthy as life as you can. Try to maintain a healthy diet, exercise plan, and weight. Avoid smoking tobacco products and drinking too much alcohol. Also, try to boost your vitamin D intake.
Mothers can also breastfeed to lower their risk of getting breast cancer later in life.
Help Others
Whether you have breast cancer or not, there are always things that you can do to help others in need. Donating your time and money is one of the best things you can do. There are a variety of hospitals, organizations, and businesses that help with the cause. Even one of our vendors, Majestic Designs, donates some of their profit to breast cancer research!
So, make sure to do your part! How do you plan to help? Comment below.
