October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of this disease.
Women get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer and the second to lung cancer in cause of death among women. Not only do women get breast cancer, but so do men. Annually, 200,000 women get diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die. Once a month, you should perform a breast self-exam on yourself. Please click here for more information on how to detect and how you can help.
Here are instructions on how to do a breast self-exam according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation:
1) In the shower: Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.
2) In front of a mirror: Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead. Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples. Then 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.
3) Lying down: Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple and check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Breast Cancer has been a long and running battle in our family. Two of our aunts passed away, one aunt is a survivor and our beautiful Grandma Jean has survived twice from this disease. {yes, she’s a strong women and our hero}
Grandma Jean and Grandpa
Four years ago, my girlfriend and I decided to raise awareness by doing the 3-day-60 mile walk for Breast Cancer in San Diego, along with thousands of other walkers. We walked 20-miles each day, for three days. It was one of the most memorable events I’ve ever done in my life. There were many laughs, tears, cheers and blisters.. Meeting many survivors to tell their stories to meeting walkers who lost their loved ones, it was an emotional, yet amazing experience. The whole community got involved and cheered us along the way. The spirit and support of everyone was overwhelming.
Click here to see if the 3-day is in your city. Don’t forget to wear your pink for the month of October and show support for Breast Cancer Awareness!
