I recently attended a women's event, and it left me deeply concerned about the lack of information being passed down from older generations of women to the younger ones. This experience prompted me to reflect on my own contributions to the women who stand on my shoulders. I firmly believe that wisdom can be handed down from generation to generation, whether that wisdom is accepted is another matter. The question we must ask ourselves is, did I do my part?
One vital topic I want to discuss when passing down knowledge is breast awareness. Our breasts are truly remarkable; they distinguish us from men and provide nourishment to our babies. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and are a beautiful part of our bodies. Have you ever stood naked in front of a mirror and truly appreciated the beauty of your breasts, regardless of whether they hang to the ground or perk up to the sky? No matter what they look like, they are all uniquely beautiful and they are yours.
Given that our breasts are such a vital part of life, we should take steps to care for them, starting with regular breast self-exams, which play a crucial role in the early detection of breast cancer. Did you know that according to statistics, there are 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and each year, approximately 264,000 new cases are diagnosed? This is why performing self-exams is so important.
The best time to check your breasts is usually on the last day of your menstrual cycle. For menopausal women, selecting the same day of each month is a good practice. Once you reach the age of 40, it's highly advisable to schedule yourself for a mammogram. A mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts that helps detect cancers and any changes in breast tissue. I strongly recommend considering this step even before age 40r because, in the United States, 1 in 196 women under the age of 40 receive a breast cancer diagnosis, according to Healthline.
Globally, breast cancer remains a significant concern, with statistics showing that every 50 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer. However, there is a bright side to this troubling issue: 23% of breast cancer cases are preventable. By taking proactive steps such as maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and quitting smoking, we can significantly reduce the risk, as stated by CRUK (Cancer Research UK).
In this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us all take our bodacious "ta-ta's" seriously and commit to keeping them healthy. Your breasts are worth the care and attention, and together, we can work towards a healthier future.
Conduct a self-breast exam: https://youtube.com/shorts/EpPNT6ZvWoM?si=DrWtcHo-JLwhbtRd
Foods for breast cancer prevention: https://youtu.be/gfbT8eAP5Pc?si=P-VuyrbE1PiApxDt
