SAVE THE BOOBS: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH| LIFESTYLE

It might sound quite cliche “a group of people coming together organising a walk or fund raiser or maybe just taking & sharing pictures associating the color pink, and talking about breast cancer” well yess it’s called ‘Awareness’ for a reason.

Why Breast Cancer Awareness?

First off everyday should be breast cancer awareness but October is the dedicated month for this and we hope that making an effort to raise awareness of what breast cancer is, the symptoms and treatments would lead to greater knowledge by the public which would in turn lead to earlier detection of breast cancer, which has been said to be associated with higher long-term survival rates.

Also letting people know that there are survivors out there and if you currently find out/suffering from breast cancer you too can “Bitch Slap that cancer out” and live a happy life.

 

I’m not an expert on breast cancer but any excuse to wear a touch of pink/collaborate with other creative minds for a reasonable cause I’M ALL IN. Hence when Larisa reached out to me I was excited, a group was created for easier communication, a small token contributed for the t-shirt with our prefer breast cancer related quote and this was mine;

Top: Custom made

Jeans: Mom Jeans from @vintagedenimm

All stars sneakers: Locally bought @localstreetstore

Sunglasses: @olaidebabystores

Bag: Lade’s camera bag served as my bag (Quickest DIY)

 

Why Pink Ribbon?

Have you ever wondered why the color pink? or why breast cancer has been symbolised with the pink ribbon? well I have and here’s a LINK to find out more.

 

 

Okay now to the main squeeze of the fruit punch!

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Breast cancer occurs when malignant tumors develop in the breast.  These cells can spread by breaking away from the original tumor and entering blood vessels or lymph vessels, which branch into tissues throughout the body. When cancer cells travel to other parts of the body and begin damaging other tissues and organs, the process is called metastasis.

Symptoms?

Common symptoms to look out for include:

• A lump in the breast
• A change in colour, such as the breast becoming red and inflamed
• A change in texture, such as skin wrinkling into small folds or dimpling
• Unusual thickening of the breast tissue that won’t go away
• Pain in part of the breast or armpit
• A change in the direction of the nipple, e.g. it becomes inverted
• A rash or crusting of the nipple and surrounding area

Here’s a LINK to an interview with a breast cancer survivor on a few symptoms.

 

Should you do a Self Exam for Breast Cancer?

I mean it’s always advisable to check yourself from time to time cause It’s simply a way for you to check your breasts for changes, such as lumps or thickenings. You look at & feel both breasts. If you notice anything unusual, tell your doctor. Don’t panic as this might not necessarily mean you have cancer but do visit the doctor to know what’s actually going on.

If you choose to do one, follow these easy steps I just learnt myself from http://www.webMD.com

In the mirror:

1. Stand undressed from the waist up in front of a large mirror in a well-lit room. Look at your breasts. If they aren’t equal in size or shape, that’s OK! Most women’s breasts aren’t. With your arms relaxed by your sides, look for any changes in size, shape, or position, or any breast skin changes. Look for any puckering, dimpling, sores, or discolouration.
2. Check your nipples and look for any sores, peeling, or change in their direction.
3. Place your hands on your hips and press down firmly to tighten the chest muscles beneath your breasts. Turn from side to side so you can look at the outer part of your breasts.
4. Then bend forward toward the mirror. Roll your shoulders and elbows forward to tighten your chest muscles. Your breasts will fall forward. Look for any changes in their shape or contour.
5. Now, clasp your hands behind your head and press your hands forward. Again, turn from side to side to inspect your breasts’ outer portions. Remember to look at the border underneath them. You may need to lift your breasts with your hand to see it.
6. Check your nipples for discharge fluid. Place your thumb and forefinger on the tissue surrounding the nipple and pull outward toward the end of the nipple. Look for any discharge. Repeat on your other breast.

In the shower:

1. Feel for changes in the breast. It helps to have your hands slippery with soap and water. Check for any lumps or thickening in your underarm area. Place your left hand on your hip and reach with your right hand to feel in the left armpit. Repeat on the other side.
2. Check both sides for lumps or thickenings above and below your collarbone.
3. With hands soapy, raise one arm behind your head to spread out the breast tissue. Use the flat part of your fingers from the other hand to press gently into the breast. Follow an up-and-down pattern, moving from bra line to collarbone. Continue the pattern until you have covered the entire breast. Repeat on the other side.

Lying down:

1. Lie down and place a small pillow or folded towel under your right shoulder. Put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the upper portion of your right breast with fingers together and flat. Body lotion may help to make this easier.
2. Think of your breast as a face on a clock. Start at 12 o’clock and move toward 1 o’clock in small circular motions. Continue around the entire circle until you reach 12 o’clock again. Keep your fingers flat and in constant contact with your breast. When the circle is complete, move in 1 inch toward the nipple and complete another circle around the clock. Continue in this pattern until you’ve felt the entire breast. Make sure to feel the upper outer areas that extend into your armpit.
3. Place your fingers flat and directly on top of your nipple. Feel beneath the nipple for any changes. Gently press your nipple inward. It should move easily.
4. Repeat these steps on your other breast. Don’t forget to check the upper, outer area of the breast, nearest to the armpit.

After all of these if you notice anything unusual do visit your doctor and explain what you noticed leaving no details out. I hope these few steps help you out.

 

Know anyone suffering from breast cancer? Please do not hesitate:

-to keep motivating him/her (Oh yes guys can have this too although their chances are slimmer than the female sex).

-treat him/her differently

-pray for him/her (cause after doing everything humanly possible all you can do is pray and hope)

I’m Proud to End the Month of October with this Post on Breast Cancer Awareness

 

LAGOS:

Ifeoma of drapedinbasics.com

Wumi of wumituase.com

Lade of ladesblog.com

Nonye of thisthingcalledfashionn.wordpress.com

Orezi of https://youtu.be/t793QmL16dU

IBADAN:

Boluwatife of https://pribodunke.wordpress.com/

Debbie of https://tostda.wordpress.com/

Leye of https://aojeniyi.wordpress.com/

Tolu Ajagbe of https://toluajg.wordpress.com/

Oyinda of http://lifeofdammy.com

ABUJA:

Bella of iambrownie.com

Kachi of http://www.staplesandstyle.com/

Portia of http://www.justporsh.com/?m=1

Sarah of http://www.princessaudu.com/?m=1

Chinju of www.attics.me

Demi of https://highstreetmania.com/

Mabel of http://mabelozumba.blogspot.com.ng/?m=1

Vanessa of http://www.stylebyohaha.com/

Oluchi of http://dleonalife.com

Larisa of larisalefleur.com

That’s all from Me

Stay Tuned for More, Don’t forget Posts Go Up Monday & Thursday.

|Thanks for reading|

Till next time keep sitting Pretty/Handsome

xx

NAYONDE

 

Did you learn something new? Know anyone suffering from breast cancer or a survivor? Share your thoughts on Breast Cancer by leaving a comment below ⇓