Breast cancer Awareness month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is near and dear to the Naughty Team, especially me, a breast cancer survivor.
Whether we’ve been personally impacted or know someone who has, we are committed to partnering with those making headway for breast cancer research. Here’s what we WON’T be doing - Pinkwashing. You won’t see any “limited edition” pink pineapple clothing, ploys, or other marketing tactics - things that don’t help survivors, pre-vivors, and caregivers of those with breast cancer at any stage. Instead, a personal appeal to get checked, spread the word, and get involved.
Ladies of ALL ages - we really do mean all - GET CHECKED THIS MONTH. Catching breast cancer, or any cancer, early is the key to a successful treatment and road to recovery. If you’ve never gotten checked or don’t know how to do it, here’s a reminder.
Perform your self-exams at the same time every month (especially if you’re still premenopausal). I prefer to set a recurring event in my calendar and do mine in the shower, but do it in the way that feels best and most convenient to you. You can have a partner check, or you can just feel around. Push with medium pressure, checking all your breast tissue and your underarms for new lumps, bumps, or skin changes like rashes. Check for discharge, nipple changes, non-cyclical soreness or pain, and dimpling. None of these necessarily mean cancer, but any new changes should be mentioned to a healthcare provider.
Schedule your annual physical (sometimes called a well-women’s checkup) every year. I prefer to schedule mine around my birthday, but if it’s been a while, get on your primary care provider’s schedule. If you don’t have a primary care provider, the Planned Parenthood in your area provides these at low or no cost. These sometimes uncomfortable exams are necessary for breast and gynecological cancer prevention. DO NOT SKIP THEM. Mention any breast changes, concerns, or family history.
Get your mammograms and bone density scans EVERY YEAR (if you are between ages 40 and 74). These are literal lifesavers. If you are younger than 40, self-exams and your annual physical are YOUR time to shine! Don’t neglect these, and pay close attention to your body and how things feel.
Many often think breast cancer is something that you might find in older women (45+) but my first symptom appeared right before my 22nd birthday. I had no genetic factors, but being in an online community of young (18-30-year-olds) with breast cancer made me realize that I was not alone and that more young women need to be more aware of their own bodies.
By being aware of your body at an early age, you will not only understand your own sexuality better, but you will recognize changes that could be early signs that could end up saving your life or lessening the impact of a diagnosis. You likely don’t need a mammogram at age 18, but by giving yourself breast self-exams, you will be more aware of any potential issues and you can follow up with your primary care provider if you do notice any changes to see how to proceed.
The key to survival in any cancer diagnosis is to catch it early and seek out medical advice and treatment quickly.
MEN can also get breast cancer, though much rarer and often due to other risk factors. Men should be looking for skin changes, nipple discharge, or irritation. These symptoms can have multiple causes but should be addressed by a healthcare provider.
This month, talk to your friends and family about the importance of getting checked. Often, it takes an external reminder for people to get checked for breast cancer. October is a great reminder in and of itself, but reminding friends and loved ones to check themselves and get screened is an important tool for prevention. Include important discussions on family history of breast cancer, but with the knowledge that only a small percentage of breast cancer (approximately 9%) is caused by genetics. The only way to know for sure is to get screened, consistently.
For my fellow survivors, and any pre-vivors, and caregivers - even if this was not your diagnosis month, October can be difficult. Seeing constant reminders of some of the worst days in my life is challenging, to say the least. Here’s how I’m pacing my way through October; maybe you can find some ideas for yourself or just find comfort in the knowledge that you certainly aren’t alone in the fight.
Practice radical self-love every day. It can be as simple as affirming that you are here, you are breathing, and you have done hard things, or you can ensure your love languages are being met - whether by a partner, yourself, or even an animal.
Connect with others. One of the most helpful things when I received my diagnosis, was having my Nurse Clinic Navigator suggest an online community of young (18-30 year-olds) with breast cancer at any stage. I’ve met some of my most faithful friends and some of the only people in the world who understand EXACTLY what it feels like to be in your twenties with breast cancer - a very isolating feeling.
Accepting every feeling for what it is and nothing more. My annoyance at every sports event being a “pink-out” is valid and just a feeling that will pass. It’s a month, and it will end eventually.
Treating myself. Anyone who knows me knows that I love a little treat. Including a treat every day of October (Getting my nails done, a little sweet treat, or a small adventure) sure makes it a little more tolerable. Results may vary.
If you are able, please consider donating to reputable breast cancer survivorship and research funds, including Reclaim October, The Breasties, and Metavivor. Stage 4 (Metastatic) Breast Cancer is the only kind that kills. We need more stage 4 survivors, and to get that, funding and research need to be expanded.
