"March is special for many reasons - for me it's women's month and it always motivates me to take care of myself even more. To pay special attention to myself, and not just my appearance."
I chose to join the charity initiative of One of 8 because I believe it is extremely important to support causes that have a direct impact on people's lives. Breast cancer is not just a statistic; it affects millions of real women around the world - mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. Our collaboration for Women's Day carries a message of hope, strength and community, which corresponds to our values as a brand. Through this initiative, as a brand that primarily addresses a female audience, we want to express our solidarity and make a real contribution to improving the lives and well-being of those affected by this disease. Our desire is to help with research, treatment and awareness that can save lives. We believe that even the smallest help can make a big difference and that together we can provide support to those who need it most.
Together with the One of 8 Foundation, we want to invite you to do the same and not put off your breast exam until tomorrow! In this article, we will give you a few important steps that will help you be more confident and responsible for your own health.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women worldwide. Women under 30 are increasingly being diagnosed with this disease. The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women who have never given birth or who gave birth to their first child after their 30th birthday, women who have not breastfed, women who have had an abortion, women who do not have regular sex, women with a family history of the disease on the maternal side or a mutation of the BRCA 1/BRCA 2 gene. Detected early, breast cancer is curable, so it is extremely important to check your breasts regularly, both with self-examination and with preventive examinations once a year.
SELF-EXAM/BREAST SELF-EXAM.
Self-examination is the most accessible way to check your breasts for early signs of breast cancer. After the age of 20, every woman should do a monthly breast self-examination. The best time to do a breast self-examination is the 14th day after the start of your monthly period, or the first week after the end of your menstrual cycle. For postmenopausal women, self-examination should be done on approximately the same date each month. When performing a self-examination, follow these steps:
Step 1: REVIEW
Breast examination. This is a very important part of breast self-examination, as in some types of breast cancer, the first signs are visual, such as skin changes, a change in shape, a change in the nipple, darkening of the skin, or the formation of crusts on the nipple due to secretion.
Inspect your underwear. It is necessary to carefully inspect the inside of your bra after removing it for traces of bloody, greenish, yellowish, or brownish secretion.
Mirror examination. Stand in front of the mirror in the positions shown above and examine both breasts carefully. Pay attention to the shape and contour of each breast, for any lumps, skin wrinkling, redness, or changes in the nipple.
Step 2: PALPATION OR FEELING
The goal of palpation is to feel for any changes that are unusual for you. This could be a lump, a thickened area, or something that feels completely different from any other area in your breast.
Standing Palpation. Many women prefer to do a self-exam while in the shower because their hands are wet and with a little soap they glide more easily over the skin. Stand in the position shown below. With the back of your fingers, begin to feel the breast with light pressure at first, gradually increasing the pressure. Feel the breast in a circular, up-and-down, wedge-shaped motion. Do this in the same way each time, checking the entire breast area and remembering how it feels from month to month. Use your left hand to examine the right breast and your right hand for the left breast.
Palpation in the supine position. Lie on a hard, flat surface, place a pillow under one shoulder and place one hand under the back of the neck. With the pads of the three middle fingers of the free hand, feel the entire breast, including the nipple and armpit. Pay attention to lumps and seals. To determine the condition of the lymph nodes, palpate with the opposite hand, keeping the arm slightly bent. Pay attention to the presence of a seal or ball.
It is important that, in addition to self-examination, women visit a mammologist once a year. In addition to the clinical examination, an ultrasound examination of the structure of the mammary glands should be performed, and in women over 40, a mammogram is performed every 2 years. By following these rules, breast tumors can be diagnosed at an early stage, which allows for their effective treatment. Three main methods are used for early detection of breast cancer:
Ultrasound , also called ultrasound or ultrasonography, is an imaging method that uses sound waves to produce images. This method can help determine whether a new lump in the breast is a solid tumor or a cyst. It is especially important for women under the age of 40, when mammography is not recommended.
Mammography is an imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to produce images. It is recommended for women over 40 years of age.
Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, provides detailed images of the breast, producing very accurate results without radiation. It is not used for routine examination. It can be done if a lump is suspicious on a mammogram. It is performed as part of annual screening in women at high risk of breast cancer, as well as in women with implants.
Factors associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer include:
Gender - Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men;
Age - As you age, the risk of developing breast cancer increases;
Previous breast diseases – Carcinoma in situ or atypical hyperplasia;
Breast cancer diagnosis – if you have had cancer in one breast, the risk of developing cancer in the other is increased;
Family history – a grandmother, mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer or ovarian cancer, especially if the diagnosis was made at a young age;
Mutation of BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 genes;
Exposure to radiation;
Overweight;
Smoking;
Alcohol abuse;
Early menstruation;
Late menopause;
Birth of first child after age 30;
Lack of completed pregnancy;
Taking hormonal preparations - to relieve symptoms of menopause and/or taking contraceptives.
RISK REDUCTION PREREQUISITES
Go for regular check-ups. Regular check-ups with a mammologist remain the surest way for early diagnosis of breast cancer.
Limit your alcohol and cigarette use.
Try to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight and obese puts you at a higher risk of breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.
Maintain an active lifestyle. Physical activity will improve your quality of life in every aspect.
Breastfeeding. It is believed that the longer you breastfeed, the greater the preventive effect against breast cancer.
Avoid radiation and polluted environments.
The hectic everyday life often gets us tangled up and our priorities become small things and everyday problems. This prevents us from paying attention to the truly important things - health and care! Don't leave them for tomorrow.
You don't have to be One of 8 to be One of us .