Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 4 Ways to Support and

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer Awareness was started in 1985 by the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries to promote mammograms as the first line of defense against breast cancer. In 1992, the pink ribbon became the national symbol of breast cancer awareness and is worn throughout the month of October.

To show your support and raise awareness, here are some ways you can participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

1. Educate yourself

Take the time to learn the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The more you know about them, the more likely you are to detect breast cancer in yourself or others. It’s important to remember that breast cancer is a serious medical condition that affects the lives of millions of people. Take the time to educate yourself on the topic, whether that means attending a live talk by a breast cancer survivor, connecting with a family member or friend who has breast cancer to better understand what they’re going through, or simply doing your research online. There’s more to breast cancer than pink ribbons.

2. Examine yourself

Breast self-exams are an important part of detecting breast cancer, no matter your age. Monthly breast self-exams can help you detect changes that may be signs of infection or breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected early, your chances of survival are much better. A breast self-exam only takes a few minutes and can easily be incorporated into your daily schedule. You can perform a breast exam while you are getting dressed or undressed, while you are lying in bed, or while you are showering.

The best way to examine your breast is:

Visual inspection: Remove your shirt and bra and stand in front of a mirror. Place your arms at your sides. Notice any changes in the shape of your breasts, swelling, dimpling, or changes in your nipples. Then raise your arms high above your head and observe the same things. Finally, place your hands on your hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Observe the same changes again. Be sure to observe both breasts.

Manual inspection in standing position: After removing your shirt and bra, use your right hand to examine your left breast, then vice versa. Using the pads of your three middle fingers, press on each part of one breast. Use light pressure, then medium pressure, then firm pressure. Feel for lumps, thick spots, or other changes. A circular motion can help you make sure you hit every spot. Next, press on the tissue under your arm. Be sure to check under the areola, then gently squeeze the nipple to check for discharge. Repeat the steps on the other side of your body.

Manual inspection in lying position: When lying down, breast tissue spreads out more evenly, so it’s a good position to detect changes, especially if you have large breasts. Lie down and place a pillow under your right shoulder. Place your right arm behind your head. With your left hand, use the same technique as in step 2, using the pads of your fingers to press all parts of the breast tissue and under your arm. Finally, switch the pillow and check the other breast and armpit. Be sure to check under the areola, then gently squeeze the nipple to check for discharge.

3. Wear pink

The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, people wear pink ribbons to work, school, and/or events to honor survivors, remember those who have lost the disease, and to support the progress we are making together to defeat breast cancer. Wearing pink is a simple way to show support for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It can also be a great way to start a conversation to educate others and raise awareness.

4. Participate in No Bra Day

No Bra Day is an annual celebration that takes place on October 13th, during which women are encouraged to go braless in order to raise awareness for breast cancer. Bellesa will be celebrating National No Bra Day and you will be able to purchase “Bras Suck” products to wear here.