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October is Breast Health Awareness Month and we wanted to touch upon breast cancer and how you can keep yourself safe and aware.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer is when abnormal breast cells grow out of control and begin to form small masses within the breast tissue which are called tumours. The tumours can spread throughout the body if left unchecked or untreated. Breast cancer equates to 25% of new cases of cancer and 1 in 8 women are expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
Causes Of Breast Cancer:
1.)Â Smoking
2.)Â Family History & Genetics: We recommend looking into your family history to check if there are any known cases of cancer within your family so you are aware if you need to take next steps or precautions.
3.)Â Radiation Exposure: If you had treatments of radiation on your chest in your youth or as a young adult you are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
4.)Â Age
5.)Â Sedentary Lifestyle & Weight
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Though there are many causes of breast cancer there are also various ways to lessen the risk to keep yourself happy and healthy.
Prevention:
1.)Â Limiting Alcohol Consumption: It can lessen the risk of contracting cancer.
2.)Â Being Physically Active: Incorporating daily exercise into your routine can keep you fit and healthy.
3.)Â Eating Healthy: Having nutritious, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain meals can give your body the nutrients it needs to remain healthy.
4.) Breastfeeding: Studies have concluded that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of cancer because it decreases the number of menstrual cycles in a woman’s lifespan.
5.)Â Evaluating Your Hormones Usage: Sometimes birth control pills and menopausal hormone therapy can potentially put you at risk for breast cancer. We recommend talking to your doctor about your personal breast cancer risks.
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Further Thoughts:
We at TheBraGirl are here to give you some key tips and advice on how to give yourself regular self-checkups to prevent breast cancer. Giving yourself regular breast self-examinations gives you the ability to be more aware and to catch any potential early signs of cancer. Try our six-step self-examination process in a comfortable place and it could give you some peace of mind and check one body health note off the list. We hope this process helps you to be safe and healthy.Â
Surviving Breast Cancer:
Most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer seek chemotherapy or mastectomies as treatment. In Canada, the five-year net survival rate for women with stage three breast cancer is 74%. Women who opt for mastectomy surgery usually gravitate towards mastectomy bras where small padded inserts can be placed inside the bra depending on the size needed. Mastectomy bras are a wonderful alternative for after surgery because they provide women with the extra comfort they might need.
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The Anita Tonya Post Mastectomy Bra is a great option as it provides excellent support, padded cups and straps for extra comfort and a discrete silhouette. It also comes in three colour variations.
Women who survive breast cancer are warriors, they are courageous, determined and strong. We at TheBraGirl are all about the empowerment of women and wanted to put a focus on breast health so that you can be aware of how to prevent breast cancer for yourself or for someone you know.
References:
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