At Rethink Breast Cancer, we encourage all younger people to be breast aware and risk savvy! You’re never “too young” to be thinking about your breast health and taking steps to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
So, what does that mean?
While the majority of those diagnosed are women over 50, breast cancer can and does occur in younger women and is one of the most common cancers in women under 40. It can also affect all people regardless of gender.
As much as the possibility of breast cancer might scare you, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being breast aware can help you understand and reduce your own personal risk. And that’s what Rethinkers are all about.
We want to shift the conversation towards breast awareness so you can achieve your best breast health, starting right now.
How to be breast aware:
TOUCH | Touch your breasts and get to know them.
LOOK | Look for any changes to how your breasts usually look or feel.
CHECK | Check with your doctor and make sure your concerns are heard.
Other things you can do to take control:
• Understand your personal risk, including hereditary factors
• Do your best to live a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, a nutritious diet and limiting alcohol consumption
• Be cautious when it comes to chemical exposure through personal care and household products
Rethink’s Top 5 Breast Health Tips
1. Know Your Normal. Breast cancer is rare in young women, but it can happen. Know your body and stay aware of any changes. Knowing what feels normal for you can make it easier to notice if something is different.
2. Understand Your Unique Risk. We all have personal risk factors. Get to know yours by learning about how your family history, genetics and lifestyle play a role in yours so you can make informed decisions. There are risk assessment tools you can use to help as a starting point, but we always recommend consulting with your doctor as your main resource for assessing your risk and what it means for you.
3. Trust your Instincts. Young women of average risk typically don’t need routine breast screening and there aren’t yet effective breast cancer screening tools for women under 40. That said, if you notice something that feels “off,” that matters and should be taken seriously by a healthcare professional.
4. Speak Up. You are your own best advocate. Make sure you feel your concerns are being taken seriously. Know you are allowed to ask all the questions and seek second opinions.
5. Take Care. Fostering healthy habits like rest, exercise and nutrition (including choosing alcohol-free once in a while) can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Good breast health means more than just the absence of disease. It’s about being proactive, aware and empowered in knowing you are your own best breast health advocate!
Want more info? Click the link below.
(Thanks to Breast Cancer Now in the UK for spearheading TLC back in the early 2000’s! Rethink’s been supporting this message ever since.)