When was the last time you did a #TITCHECK ? It’s October and it’s time to get more intuned with self as we enter into the harvest season. Breast cancer is the most common cancer that women can be diagnosed with during their lifetime. This year,an estimated 290,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S alone. This month, I’m partnering with Yitty to take action to protect and enlighten young women about their breast health.
Compared to older women, young women generally face more aggressive cancers and lower survival rates.
Every year, more than 1,000 women under age 40 die from breast cancer. Let’s normalize teaching women how to maintain their bodies without involvingYoung women are taught to avoid getting pregnant prior to learning about their bodies as a whole which is highly unproductive . There should be more resources or encouragement for women to be aware of things that can impact our lives as an individual more than anything. Although breast cancer is more common for women over 50 years old but 5% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years of age. Let’s normalize teaching women to be aware of their bodies without the influence of the opposite sex.
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.
“Get your mammograms and don’t delay,” says “Sex in the City” star Cynthia Nixon.
Many women fear finding out any bad news pertaining to their bodies. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry so it’s best to get more comfortable asking about things that aren’t so pretty. I remember growing up and seeing my mom check her boobs for lumps and although 12 year old me cringed, I knew that it was something all women are afraid of coming across. Seeing that practice being done as a young woman has made me extremely comfortable with grabbing my chest and doing my tit check any chance I get.
What does breast cancer look like ?
“There’s no breast cancer in my family (recent extensive genetic testing shows no genetic connection). I haven’t eaten red meat in more than 30 years. I’ve never smoked, I exercise every day, forget alcohol — It’s bad for my reflux — I’ve been the same weight my whole adult life. How is this possible? Well, guess what — it’s possible.” – Judy Blume
There’s no exceptions to sickness so no matter what you do in this lifetime, you cannot escape the possibilities of getting cancer so it’s best to know what it may look like. Breast cancer causes redness, dimpling, and swelling around the breast. You may also experience nipple discharge, your nipple pulling inwards or changing directions. As you know, the lump is a clear distinction that something is wrong so visit your doctor if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. It may not be cancer but it’s good to know what’s going on with your body and how you can try to keep yourself in good standing.
What is it like after fighting breast cancer?
“I was appreciating life. But [the disease] has made me far more patient than I’ve ever been in my life. And I’m more in the moment with people.” – Robin Roberts
It would be right if I didn’t speak on the women who defeated cancer and are able to redeem themselves after such a trivial journey. Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer can live up to 5 years with proper treatment. Breast cancer is highly curable within the early stages which is why I encourage you to grab your boobs daily to make sure that you’re always one step ahead. It’s scary being a woman because we’re always being challenged by life’s circumstances so it’s important to encourage women to have these conversations openly. If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, don’t feel defeated girl, you have options!
Young Survival Coalition is an international organization focusing on women ages 40 and under who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Founded in 1998 by three young women with breast cancer, YSC is a 501 non-profit based in New York City with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia.Check out The Young Survival Organization to connect with other young survivors, breast cancer 101, understanding treatment, a newly diagnosed guide and more.
𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Ｂｙ： Ｙｉｔｔｙ
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