The younger a woman is, the less likely they are to get breast cancer. Abnormal changes occur as we age, which can explain the development of cancer.

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Breast cancer specialists advise annual screenings starting at 40 for asymptomatic women. If you have a higher risk, it’s often advised to get a mammogram before 40.

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Too much estrogen produces the overgrowth of cells which can increase the chances of cancer. Luckily, if the tumor is still only in the breast, the five year survival rate is over 99%.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:48 The five year survival rate is only 80% for breast cancer
2:03 Estrogen can be a carcinogen for breast cancer.
3:41 “There’s a gene that increases the risk of breast cancer by 80%.”
5:26 1 in 8 American women will get breast cancer in their lifetime.
6:47 Overtime
7:14 Outro

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A study found that 50.8% of breast cancers occurred on the left side, while 49.2% occurred on the right! Unfortunately, there isn’t enough data to explain why the risk of developing left-sided breast cancer is higher. MD’s recommend becoming familiar with your body to ensure you’re able to detect a change.

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1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This is why it’s extremely important to get a mammogram. It’s the best way to find breast cancer early.

0:00 Intro
0:39 If you have bigger breasts you’re more likely to get breast cancer?
1:48 How much do regular mammograms increase your chances of surviving cancer?
2:55 What’s the five-year survival rate of breast cancer?
4:28 Outro

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When Aunt Flo comes to town, your first inclination is not to go to the gym. Fatigue, cramps, or bloating can set in and exercising seems like torture. As torturous as hitting the gym may seem, squeezing in a workout while on your period may improve your symptoms. In fact, exercising may boost your mood and promote better physical well-being.

As most of you know, there are many benefits that stem from exercising. It is a great way to relieve anxiety and depression, boost cognitive function, and get your blood pumping. Staying active during your time of the month is highly beneficial, but there are certain things to keep in mind. There are ways to make your activities more enjoyable, but you also need to pay attention to signs that indicate the body’s need to rest. 

The Benefits Of Exercising While On Your Period

One of the biggest upsides to exercising while on your period is the potential to reduce cramps. A 2019 review of studies found that 45-60 minutes of any level of intensity exercise at least three times per week significantly reduced the pain of menstrual cramps. That means that brisk walking, strength training, or yoga can help you. This is because exercise increases levels of beta-endorphins, which are substances in the blood that help block pain. 

In addition to reducing menstrual cramp pain, exercise may also bring relief to symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and low mood. Exercise enhances blood flow and decreases levels of aldosterone, a hormone that tells the body to retain salt and water. Movement also increases the production of various anti-inflammatory compounds. This one-two punch is effective for relieving symptoms like tender breasts and bloating. Lastly, exercising encourages the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like dopamine, which enhance your mood by promoting more positivity.

Exercises To Do

There isn’t a single exercise, or form of exercise, that is better to do on your period. Some activities, however, may positively impact your cycle more than others. Continue reading to learn which exercises are more beneficial to do while on your period. 

Cardio Workouts

Aerobic or cardiovascular “cardio” workouts are exercises that get your blood pumping. Popular cardio workouts include jogging, dancing, walking, or swimming. Several studies found that aerobic workouts can help shorten the duration of your cycle. Cardio exercises may also decrease the severity of symptoms, including bloating and cramps, that occur during your period. Consider taking a brisk walk or riding your bike to help boost your mood and ease symptoms that hit during your time of the month. 

Low-Intensity Exercises

Yoga, stretching, Tai Chi, and Pilates are excellent forms of low-intensity exercises. Many low-intensity movements can help reduce the severity of cramps, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Certain yoga poses may also provide relief from PMS symptoms. For example, Cobra pose may combat depression and low energy, while Child’s pose may relieve fatigue and bloating. 

Resistance Training

If lifting weights or engaging in bodyweight exercises is your preferred workout style, there’s no reason to skip these workouts during your cycle. Strength training may not alleviate menstrual symptoms, but weight-lifting techniques during the follicular phase (first day of your period through ovulation) may help improve muscle mass and tone. Try to avoid heavy lifting during your time of the month, though. In fact, you may want to opt for lighter weights than you typically use. 

Exercises To Avoid

Certain activities and exercises may be more appropriate to do on your period, while others need to be avoided. Many women can still carry out their regular exercise routines during their cycles, just with minor adjustments. In general, you should reduce the intensity and frequency of training during this time. You don’t have to stop working out, but cutting back a little may benefit your body. Keep in mind that everyone’s body is different, but the general consensus is that pushing yourself too hard can negatively affect your cycle. To avoid missing periods or stopping your cycle entirely, avoid high-intensity workouts like long-distance running. Consider keeping an exercise diary to note how different exercises positively or negatively affect your cycle. If you know that your energy levels are low, though, opt for yoga and other low-intensity workouts.

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which explains all of the pink ribbons that you see on different business campaigns. “Pinkwashing,” as many people refer to it, is the act of caring about breast cancer awareness, despite the fact that those same businesses may sell or produce products that contain chemicals linked to causing breast cancer. For this reason, many people aim to inform people about pink ribbon scams and how they can donate to the right causes. 

Do Your Research

This is a general blanket rule when it comes to donating money. Always know where you’re investing your time and money because too many corporations can profit from illnesses, especially in regards to the pink ribbon. Organizations should always be clear about what donations are funding, and it should be clear on their websites. If an organization or corporation can’t inform the public about where those dollars are going, consider donating to a different space. Additionally, always consider whether the product you’re buying contributes to an increased risk of breast cancer. 

Indications Of Pinkwashing

Creative marketing will get you nine times out of 10, which is an unfortunate reality. When it comes to the pink ribbon, there are no regulations on who can and cannot use it for marketing purposes. Any organization, then, can participate in pinkwashing, which is a term that Breast Cancer Action coined in 2002. One sign of pink washing is if they put a limit on how much money you can donate to the cause. Some companies will sell products that tote the pink ribbon, but cap how much money made from that product will go towards breast cancer research and funding. Another red flag is if the company doesn’t provide information on where the money is going. If you don’t see that information on the website or social media, pinkwashing is happening. 

Keep in mind that some products being sold in the name of breast cancer actually contribute to the disease. Certain cosmetics, for example, contain harmful chemicals that increase the risk of breast cancer. Always pay attention to what an organization sells before donating. Additionally, check what they aim to achieve by selling products or hosting events for the pink ribbon. Awareness is excellent, but are the organizations speaking to actions? Action is always more critical!

Pink Promotions Can Degrade Women

“Save the boobies,” “save the ta-tas,” or even “save second base” campaigns demean and insult women. Not only are these slogans degrading, but they also distract from the focus of saving women’s lives. These slogans highlight narrow beauty standards and depict women as sexual objects. The “sexy/cute” campaign ideas hide the lives lived by women of diversity and complexity. It is important to honor all women in the fight against breast cancer and not narrowly define body parts as the central focus for breast cancer campaigns. 

Pink Ribbon Culture Obscures Breast Cancer Reality

It seems counterintuitive that raising awareness about a disease could obscure the harsh reality of the disease itself. This is done, however, by creating a singular story of triumphant survivorship and positive thinking. The idea for breast cancer campaigns is that everything is pink, pretty, and positive. Breast cancer is anything but pretty and pink, and it is obscured by “fight like a girl” or “fight hard” campaigns. Some women who fight the good fight still develop metastatic cancer and can die from the disease. Basically, breast cancer is profitable when it is palatable, and the pink ribbon covers up the harsh reality that many women deal with. 

Find An Organization You Can Trust

Even though there are organizations that profit off Breast Cancer Awareness Month, there are great foundations that put donation dollars to good use. Many of these organizations are dedicated to finding a cure, as well as supporting patients and survivors. If you are not sure where to start, try to search through Charity Navigator which features a list of high-rated organizations. You can also check resources on the Breast Cancer Action website. Great organizations include Silent Spring Institute, Tigerlily Foundation, METAvivor, and Women’s Cancer Resource Center. 

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Cancer occurs when some of the body’s cells behave abnormally, changing, growing, and reproducing more than usual. In the case of breast cancer, abnormal cell growth occurs in breast tissue cells. Identifying what you may deem a breast cancer symptom can send you into a negative spiral of anxiety. The fear is justifiable, but confirm the diagnosis instead of thinking that the problem will resolve itself. 

What Is Breast Cancer?

The National Cancer Institute suggests that 12.8% of women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer at some point over the course of their lives. The risk increases with age, but a person is never “too young” to develop breast cancer, according to doctors. Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, and the cells that turn cancerous will determine the type of breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur in the lobules, ducts, and connective tissues in the breasts, but most cancers tend to occur in the ducts or lobules. 

It’s possible for breast cancer to spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the cancer is said to have metastasized. Fortunately, oncologists say that the five-year survival rate at the earliest stage of breast cancer is 98.5%. That’s why it’s integral to understand the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which you can learn about below. 

A Hard Painless Lump

The most well-known, and common, sign of breast cancer is a lump; however, having a lump is not always indicative of cancer. Some lumps are often benign cysts, while other lumps are harmless and occur during pregnancy. If you detect or feel a lump that sticks around for more than one period cycle, visit your doctor. 

One Or Both Nipples Are Inverted

All breasts are different and the same can be said for nipples. Some nipples point out, others are perfectly flat, and some point inward, a.k.a inverted. Some women have naturally inverted nipples, and this is not a sign of breast cancer. If you notice that one or both of your nipples are no longer erect and now inverted, you should call your doctor to check it out. 

Discoloration Of Breast Skin

Age and health history are key factors in regards to this symptom of breast cancer. If you are in your 30s and breastfeeding, discolored breast skin may indicate mastitis, an infection of breast tissue that results from a blocked milk duct. If you are in your 50s or 60s and/or postmenopausal and you notice skin discoloration on one or both of your breasts, that is cause for concern. Unless you recall a bug bite or injury affecting the breast, contact your doctor for an exam to determine the cause. During the examination, the doctor should determine whether inflammatory breast cancer is the cause. Discoloration may include red and inflamed breasts that feel heavy. 

Your Breast Has Similar Texture To A Golf Ball

Dotted craters, or dimpling, on an area of one or both breasts may indicate breast cancer. Consistent with breast shrinkage, the tumor may pull on the skin and cause irregular divots. As a result, the breast may appear textured and resemble an orange peel or golf ball. Peau d’orange, or “skin of the orange” in French, is when the breast looks like an orange peel, and this may be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. 

One Breast Shrinks

If both breasts used to be full and then you notice one is visibly smaller, a tumor may exist in that smaller breast. When a tumor is in one breast, it will pull the skin and ligaments and cause the breast to shrink. A large percentage of breast tissue is fat, which cancer eats up and causes the breast to appear smaller. 

Unusual Nipple Discharge

Any expert will tell you that the only fluid that should exit the nipple is breast milk, provided you are breastfeeding. If you notice other fluid or nipple discharge, including blood discharge, that warrants a call to your doctor. It is possible that breast cancer isn’t the cause of nipple discharge, though. Sometimes, it may occur because of a benign growth, but you should not neglect it, especially if the discharge is unexplained.

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Did you know that about 70% of women wear a bra size that is too small for them? It may not seem like a big deal, but an ill-fitting bra can increase chest or rib pain, general discomfort, irritated skin, or completely restrict certain movements. The goal is to be comfortable, but bras, along with tight jeans, may not always make the list of comfortable clothing items. If taking off your bra has become the highlight of your day, you’re probably wearing the wrong bra size. 

Women who get into the habit of wearing the wrong bra size commonly experience similar symptoms. Underwire may poke at your chest, straps may dig into your shoulders, and the band may cause rib pain. While these are not life-threatening symptoms, they can lead to other symptoms that include headaches, backaches, or even shortness of breath. All of those symptoms can make any woman want to unlock her bra strap immediately.

Wearing a bra that fits correctly can be a life-changing experience. A well-fitting bra will allow for maximum mobility and optimal bodily functions. In fact, many chiropractors say that ill-fitting bras increase the need for regular adjustments to realign the spine. Ideally, the band should rest at the bottom of your shoulder blades and all of your breast tissue should fit in the cup. That means no spillage out of the top or the bottom. Once you find the perfect bra, which can be a challenge, you may spare yourself from the following symptoms. 

Upper Body Pain

One of the most common bra-related issues is that the cup is too small and the band is too loose. An unsupportive and uncomfortable bra can increase the risk of shoulder and back pain. To compensate for a loose band, many women tighten the straps too much, which strains the shoulders. Listen up, ladies, shoulder indentions are not normal and your bra shouldn’t cause shoulder pain. Relying on the straps for support is a mistake because you really want support from the band. 

Chafing

Chafing is a common issue with different types of bras, but many women report the most chafing after wearing sports bras. Movement causes friction between the skin and fabric, and a bra that’s too tight can rub the skin in an uncomfortable way. Tight clothing often increases irritation and the inflammation of hair follicles, according to dermatologists. Regular irritation makes it easier for bacteria on the skin to penetrate hair follicles, which causes infection. If your bra is the right fit and you still experience chafing or irritation, consider a bra with a wider band.

Over-Spillage

If there’s more boob out of the bra than in the bra, one thing is crystal clear: it’s too small for you. There’s no reason that your breasts should not fit snuggly within the cups, nor should the underwire should sit on the breasts. You may need to move up to a cup size that offers more support, less movement, and a smoother look under your clothes. A fitted underwire should trace the root of your breasts and lie flat on the ribcage. No woman wants the quad-boob look!

The Band Squeezes Your Back

There’s no reason that the band should squeeze the life out of your back. This could mean that your band is either too tight or too high up on your back. Since the band is where support comes from, it’s integral to choose the right style and size. Tighter does not equate to a better bra; rather, it typically means that you need a more supportive style with a thicker band. 

Regular Adjusting

You know that there’s a problem with your bra if you pull, tug, and constantly readjust it throughout the day. There are a few reasons that call for regular adjustments. It’s very possible that the style is wrong, but the cups may be too small or too big. Lastly, the band may be too big. If a bra shifts with every movement you make, it’s time to find a bra that fits in order to address these issues. 

Pain Under Your Breasts

If you ever experience a line under your boobs, especially if it’s red or itchy, then something may be up with the underwire. Older bras that have worn fabric that exposes the underwire should be thrown out. The skin under the breasts is very sensitive and should not be directly exposed to wire. If this is not the case, the underwire may not properly fit the chest and is moving around too much. This causes friction and irritation, two things no woman should experience while wearing a bra.

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A breast self-exam, or regular examination of your breasts by yourself, is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early. Early detection is one of the best ways to treat the cancer successfully. Although self-examination may not detect all breast cancers early, doctors believe that regular self-exams, in combination with other screening methods, may detect breast cancer early.

How Reliable Are Self-Exams?

Not all experts agree that self-exams are valuable, or even reliable. A 2008 study that consisted of 400,000 women in China and Russia reported that self-examination did not impact breast cancer survival rates in a meaningful way. A 2015 study found that self-exams may be superfluous, increasing the performance of unnecessary biopsies that resulted from women “detecting” their own lumps. 

A self-exam isn’t the deciding factor that determines a breast cancer diagnosis, so the American Cancer Society recommends additional screening methods. However, a breast self-exam may be a beneficial screening tool for women at average risk of developing cancer. They can be helpful for detecting lumps or areas that feel different. If you think that something is irregular in your breast(s), then it’s best to speak to your primary care provider for additional screening. 

How To Do A Breast Self-Exam

As a starting point, pick the same time each month to perform your breast self-exam. If you are are menstruating, perform the breast self-exam after your period. For women who no longer menstruate or experience irregular periods, it’s best to pick a day each month. Pick a day that’s easy to remember, for example, the first or last day of the month. Once you establish when you are going to do a breast self-exam, following the steps below. 

Step 1

In front of a mirror, stand up straight and place your hands on your hips. Notice if your breasts are their usual shape, size, and color. Breasts should not have visible distortion or swelling. If you see that a nipple changed position or notice redness, rash, swelling, dimpling, puckering, or bulging of the skin, bring it up with your doctor. 

Step 2

Raise your arms and look for the same changes. While you are looking in the mirror, look for signs of fluid emerging from one or both nipples. The fluid could be watery, milky, yellowish, or even bloody. Once again, if you see any sign of fluid coming out of one or both nipples, consult your doctor. 

Step 3

In addition to checking in front of a mirror, you can also perform a breast self-exam while lying down. Many health experts encourage this method of examination because the breast tissue spreads out evenly along the chest wall while lying down. Place a pillow under the right should and bring your right arm behind your head. Use the pads of your fingers on your left hand to gently cover the enter breast area and armpit. Apply light, medium, and then firm pressure, checking for lumps or bumps. Make sure to feel around the entire breast. You can also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat on the left breast. 

Step 4

Many women find that the easiest way to feel their breasts for examination is when the skin is slippery and wet. You can do this step in the shower. Stand up straight and raise your right arm above your head. Using the index, middle and ring fingers on your left hand, press every part of the right breast with light, medium, and then firm pressure. Notice any difference, including lumps, thick spots, or other changes. Just like in Step 3, feel around the entire breast, including the areola and nipple, checking for discharge. Repeat these steps on your left breast. 

If you happen to find a lump in your breast, the last thing you want to do is freak out. Many women have some lumps or lumpy areas in their breasts, and they turn out to be benign. There are numerous causes of non-cancerous lumps, including hormonal changes or injury. If you notice a lump or other breast change that is worrisome, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. If you make an appointment, you may have to undergo ultrasound or mammogram for imaging.

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