It’s Breast Cancer Awareness month again, and Her Campus Purchase has you covered on how to make sure your ladies are happy and cancer-free.
According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, “Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. However, some tumors are aggressive and grow much more rapidly.”
There are two kinds of breast cancer: invasive and non-invasive. Invasive cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, while non-invasive is contained to the milk ducts (though it can morph into the other kind!)
If you’re 20, it’s recommended that you have a clinical breast exam every three years, and every year once you’re 40.
Breast self-exam (BSE) is not recommended as a screening tool for breast cancer. However, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® recommends that you become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel. Knowing what is normal for you may help you see or feel changes in your breast.
What places you more at risk for breast cancer? According to Breastcancer.org, being a woman, but also age, race, family history and genetics, exposure to chest or face radiation, being overweight or lack of exercise, smoking, and regularly consuming alcohol are all risk factors.
Women who have given birth before age 30 are less at risk, more so if they breastfed. Women who had periods after they turned 12 are less at risk as well.
And even more reason to go green – research is strongly suggesting exposure to chemicals in cosmetics, lawn products, in plastics and some sunscreens, and foods treated with pesticides and antibiotics can raise your risk.
So be smart, live healthy, and make sure you’re giving your ladies the attention they need!