by DeNita S.B. Morris, Senior Health Producer, PIC Current Network
Courtesy of Sunsets for You
What’s up with all the pink hats, T-shirts, pins and ribbons? If you haven’t heard the news, breast cancer awareness saves lives. Show your support by wearing pink this month.
During October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), it’s easy to get caught up in the pink momentum. That pink ribbon is slapped on everything from soup cans to sexy tees. It’s posted everywhere and for good reason.
Why? Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure, whose organizational symbol is the pink ribbon, is helping to finance an all-out battle on breast cancer. In an effort to get more research on the issue, Komen partners with reputable companies from around the globe to increase visibility and funding for this important work. (All that pink you’re seeing is pre-planned and on point.)
Here’s the no-cost, good news that you can use. It won’t cost you one penny to be a part of the pink ladies club. Research shows that women can play an important role in their own breast health by knowing about Breast Self-Awareness (BSA), and being willing to perform Breast Self-Exams (BSE) every month in the comforts of their own homes. Simply put, every woman must take time to get to know her “girls.” The better you know what’s normal for your breasts, the easier you’ll be able to detect changes that you should report to your health care provider immediately. The five-year survival rate is 98 percent when breast cancer is caught early, before it spreads beyond the breast, says the CDC.
So from your pantry to your closet (and, yes, even in your shower), take a moment to show your pink pride!
Here are a few more tips to live by, according to Susan G. Komen:
- Talk to your family to learn about your family health history.
- Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer.
- Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at higher risk.
- Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk.
- Have a clinical breast exam at least every three years starting at 20, and every year starting at 40.
- Know how your breasts look and feel and report any changes to your health care provider right away.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Related Links:
- Download a free Breast Self-Exam card and get to know what’s normal for you.
- Breast Self-Awareness (BSA) Interactive Tool
Learn about Breast Self-Awareness (BSA) and perfect your Breast Self-Exam (BSE) technique with an audiovisual, interactive resource. - Read our previous post on Breast Cancer Awareness here.
