Since October is breast cancer awareness month, we want to take a moment to encourage everyone to perform self-examinations monthly. These do not last long and are the best way at finding anything that could be wrong. You could even ask a friend, family member, or your significant other to perform them with you. This helps you find any weird lumps, skin discoloration, or even new moles. Be sure to keep an eye out for any odd discoloration, swelling, and lumps.
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that forms in the cells of breast tissue. It is most common in women but can also be found in men in areas of their chest. There are two different types of breast cancer that can be found. One of them is invasive ductal carcinoma and this is when the cancer is growing outside of the ducts and into other parts of the breast tissue. The other kind is invasive lobular carcinoma and this is when the cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by (CDC.gov). Breast Cancer is best treated when detected early which is why self-exams are so important.
Other ways you can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer are to consume alcohol responsibly, be physically active, maintain a healthy weight, and have a healthy diet. Drinking alcohol in responsible and moderated amounts to help prevent cancer and other health issues. By being physically active, you keep your muscles active and blood moving. Women be sure to wear a correct fitting bra when working out as tightly constricting your breasts and blood flow is also unhealthy. Maintaining a healthy weight, you lower your risk of breast and cancer and other types of cancer and health conditions. Finally, having a healthy weight helps protect against cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, and more.
It is always important to take care of your health and pay attention to your body. By performing monthly self-exams and living a healthy lifestyle, you can help your body perform at its best and healthiest.