EMPOWERING ALL WOMEN: A GUIDE TO BREAST CANCER PREVENTION
Every woman deserves to be equipped with knowledge and tools that empower her journey towards health and well-being. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a potent reminder of the impact we can collectively make in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and supporting the fight against breast cancer.
It’s completely natural to feel a bit unsettled discussing such a serious subject, and the associated fears are very real. However, it's through our shared knowledge, compassion, and proactive steps that we find our collective strength against this challenge, Mama!
UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER AND ITS PREVENTION
Breast cancer begins when the cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. These tumors can be malignant, having the potential to spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and intervention vital. In the spirit of empowerment, we’re going to share some simple, doable steps for prevention every woman should know.
Prevention Strategies
Regular Exercise: Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise 3-4 times a week can lower your breast cancer risk by 30-50%.
Balanced Diet: Maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy contributes to overall health and cancer prevention.
Limiting Alcohol: Moderating alcohol intake can help in reducing the risk.
Regular Screenings: Regular mammograms and self-examinations are essential for early detection.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SELF-CHECK
According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, underscoring the importance of self-checks in identifying changes and catching the disease early, which is vital for effective treatment and a better prognosis. Here is a step-by-step on how you can self-check:
MIRROR MIRROR
Spend some time looking at your breasts in the mirror. Put your hands over your head and then on your hips. Move your body so you see every part of your breasts, don’t forget your side and underboob.
MASSAGE TIME
Next, keep looking in the mirror and put one hand behind your head. Now place three fingers to your breast and check for anything that strikes you as different or not your "normal."
UP, DOWN, & ALL AROUND
Move your three fingers in small circles up with different levels of pressure. Choose easy, medium and then hard while walking your fingers to the next area, instead of lifting them off your boobs.
GET IN THOSE PITS
Cover your entire breast up and down and into the armpit area, finishing inside your armpit. Leave no breast area unchecked! Especially the side boob! Spend extra time in your pits where your lymphatic system is, as this is where many breast cancers develop.
DON’T FORGET YOUR NIPS
Lastly, squeeze each nipple. If there is any discharge or pain, see a doctor right away.
FIT4MOM’S PARTNERSHIP WITH KEEP A BREAST FOUNDATION
We are proud to continue to join forces with Keep A Breast, a foundation with a mission to reduce breast cancer risk globally through education, prevention, and action. By focusing on young individuals, KAB is a beacon of hope, emphasizing that prevention is the cure and equipping them with essential tools for early detection.
Download the KAB App
Empower yourself with knowledge and tools by downloading the KAB App, a free resource that guides users through breast self-checks and connects them to telehealth. Download the app here!
Make a Direct Donation
If you can’t come to the class but wish to contribute, you can make a donation to support the cause here. Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant difference in the lives of many. Together, we can create a ripple of change and bring hope to those affected.
To learn more about Keep A Breast and their mission, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram and Facebook. We’re in this together, mama!