The month of October is kind of a big deal for all the ladies out there. All across the United States, Breast Cancer Awareness is celebrated during this month. According to the National Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 (12%) women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. (http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-key-statistics)
Every year different events are held throughout the country to raise awareness and also raise money for breast cancer. On October 8th, 2016 Making Strides of West Virginia was an event held for breast cancer awareness. Many survivors, women currently battling breast cancer, family members, and volunteers attended this fun filled three to five-mile non-competitive walk. It was a celebration of survivorship; an occasion to express hope and shared determination to make this breast cancer’s last century. With 42 teams and 286 participants, they were able to raise an outstanding $38, 727.49.(http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer/MSABCCY16SA?pg=entry&fr_id=77363)
Sadly, this disease is one that claims the lives of thousands of women each year. Don’t be afraid to take a peek at your own ta-tas to make sure everything looks normal! Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform self-exams at least once a month. The National Breast Cancer Foundation gives readers 3 ways to perform a self-breast exam:
1. In the Shower
Using the pads of your fingers, move around your entire breast in a circular pattern moving from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit area. Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, or hardened knot. Notice any changes and get lumps evaluated by your healthcare provider.
2. In Front of a Mirror
Visually inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour, any swelling, or dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Next, rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women’s breasts do, so look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
3. Lying Down
When lying down, the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, move the pads of your fingers around your right breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
(http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam)
If you do happen to find a lump of any sort, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. 8/10 lumps found are not cancerous, but it’s always better to be safe!
October is a month for us ladies (and even men) to come together and bring awareness to breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference. This October, fight on with the thousands of women battling this war. Big or small, we’ve gotta save them all, right?
(http://dogsaholic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Breast-cancer-month.jpg)