Think Pink: Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer stands second in line for the most common cancer found in women, right behind skin cancer. Cancer is most treatable in the beginning stages. Being self aware of changes in your breasts and starting your early detection plan can save your life! You can start by doing self breast examinations. But how and what to look for?

• In the Shower

Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, left hand for the right breast. Check for any lump, hard knot, or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.

• Before a Mirror

Inspect your breasts with your arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in the contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of the skin, or changes in the nipples. Then rest your palms on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match—few women's breasts do.

• Lying Down

Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. With the fingers of your left hand flat, press your right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Squeeze the nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.

Common signs & symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  You may experience nipple tenderness or notice a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
• A change in how the breast or nipple looks
  This could mean a change in the size or shape of the breast or a nipple that is turned slightly inward. In addition, the skin of the breast, areola or nipple may appear scaly, red or swollen or may have ridges or pitting that resembles the skin of an orange.
• Nipple discharge

Knowing your family history and talking with your Dr. can help you know your risk for breast cancer. If you are at high risks your Dr. can recommend proper screening tests. Get a clinical breast exam every 3 years starting at 20, and at age 40 get a mammogram once a year.

The fight to battle breast cancer continues! Want to help? From buying a cosmetic product to making a donation, everything counts! Here are some suggestions:

• Aveda Hand Relief $21, $4 goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This is my all time favorite hand cream! It can last through 5 hand washes. Perfect for fall and winter!
• Essie Pink Ribbon Polish $8, 30% off all sales will go to the Libby Rose Foundation. A light pink shimmery nail polish that will help you look more polished!
• Donate Now at Addicted to All Things Pretty's blog.

My grandmother was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer late in the game of life. Because of her age she had a mastectomy, removing her right breast. The surgery was successful. She survived breast cancer. I am thankful and lucky my risk doesn't increase because she was in her 80's when diagnosed. Please do your part. Don't forget to sport your pink ribbons daily to bring awareness!

In loving memory of my grandmother.