As October comes to a close, it is important to recognize that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For many of us, this time of the year can come with feelings of celebration, grief, or curiosity. As a grandchild of a breast cancer survivor, and having grown up cheering on my mom as she completed the Avon 39 mile walk, I always feel especially grateful for my loved ones during this time. In honor of the women in my family, and in support of other women going through this challenging experience, I participate in various breast cancer awareness activities every October.
Previously, celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month has been to support other women in my life; however, this year I had the shocking realization that this research has a direct impact on my own future. As a young woman, I need to begin monitoring my own breast health. This daunting feeling came from a place of unpreparedness. Despite having had boobs for years — constantly seeing them celebrated in the media and hearing discussions about them daily — we are so undereducated on our own breast health.
In efforts to answer my own healthcare questions and fill this knowledge gap among so many college-aged women, I have discovered many reliable, digestible sources we can go to that provide information on what we should know about breast cancer as twenty-year-olds. From using innovative AI software to supporting cancer research during your next grocery haul, there are many ways to get informed and stay proactive about your breast health in college.
BREAST SELF AWARENESS
John Hopkins Medicine makes preventative care advice simple, suggesting a 3-step plan correlated to age. For women in their early twenties, they recommend something called breast self-awareness. This involves being aware of your breasts’ normal state including shape, size and coloration, and monitoring any abnormal changes. Some changes they say to be especially aware of include lumps, leaky fluids, and skin irritations. Any of the changes they describe in this article indicate you should seek advice from a medical professional.
CLINICAL BREAST EXAMS
Depending on your age, you may have already experienced this at your latest physical or gyno visit. Breast exams involve a series of questions and a physical examination by a medical professional to monitor any abnormalities to your breast health. This service is offered at the UCSB Health Center, and by most pediatricians and gynecologists. Planned Parenthood is an excellent resource to get to know what a breast exam is and what you can expect. The National Breast Cancer Organization also has a guide on how to complete a self-administered exam.
gABBI
One of the most fascinating things I have discovered during my demystification of breast cancer prevention is Gabbi. This company teamed with scientists, engineers and doctors to generate a risk assessment algorithm, providing patients with a preventative plan. Aside from this life changing AI technology, Gabbi also has an aesthetic blog that makes understanding various breast cancer-related topics simple. This breakthrough technology is an excellent example of how far breast cancer research has come, and why we need to continue to support future research.
SUpport the BCRF
Supporting breast cancer research is another action that is beneficial to your future health and shows your support for patients and survivors. From participating in Wear It Pink Day on October 27th, to “shopping pink” by purchasing from the partners of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, there are many easy ways to create awareness and show your support. Below I have compiled a list of local events to attend and brands to support this month.
- Wear pink on October 27th for National Breast Cancer Awareness Day, also known as “Wear It Pink Day”.
- Take a “Pink Out” class at OrangeTheory Goleta. These classes encourage participants to wear their favorite pink athletic gear, and feature trivia as well as other special goodies.
- “Shop Pink” by purchasing from brands that have partnered with the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.
- Treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry from Gorjana’s Pink collection. 50% of sales from this collection will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
- Buy avocados From Mexico! From Mexico has partnered with the Susan G. Komen foundation this October, donating proceeds to support breast cancer patients.
- Create your own fundraiser. The BCRF provides digital tools to create your own fundraiser. It is easier than you may think!
Being proactive about your breast health may seem like a daunting aspect of “adulting” you just aren’t ready for, but as young women it is extremely beneficial to take preventative steps towards a healthy future. From getting educated through informative health journals to creating awareness, we can be proactive about our breast health, support the women that are currently battling breast cancer, and honor the lives of loved ones. It’s time to gather your favorite pink attire, sign up for an OrangeTheory class, or buy some avocados From Mexico! Supporting breast health is easy and important. We are in this together!