BREAST HEALTH 101

You Know You Best

Many breast cancer campaigns focus on prevention as the solution for reducing incidence of breast cancer. For those women (and men) diagnosed with breast cancer, prevention messaging and the word  itself can imply that they could have done something to prevent their cancer.

Statistically, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have random mutations arising during DNA replication in normal, noncancerous stem cells.  A third of the variation in cancer risk among tissues is attributable to environmental factors or inherited predispositions and that is why at Rethink Breast Cancer we encourage all young people to be breast aware and risk savvy.

So, what does that mean…?

It’s never too early to be thinking about your breast health and taking steps to improve your overall heath, which decreases your risk of many cancers.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being breast aware can help you understand your personal risk and empower you to take charge of your personal health. We want to shift the conversation away from prevention towards breast awareness so that you can achieve your best breast health. Good breast health means more than just the absence of disease.

Here are 10 easy tips to stay on top of your breast health!


1. Know Your Body

Know Your Body

Breast cancer is rare in young women, but it can happen. Know your body and stay on top of changes.  


 

2. What’s in Your Genes?

What's in your genes?

We all have our own personal risk factors. Know yours by learning your family history.  


3. What’s Normal?

What's Normal?

You’ll know if something changes by knowing what looks and feels normal for you.  


4. You. Know. You. Best.

You Know You Best

Young women of average risk don’t need to worry about a regular test or breast exam. Be breast aware instead.


5. Speak Up

Speak Up

Take charge your breast health. You are your own best advocate.


6. Do it. Do it More.

Do it

Lifelong, healthy habits can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.  


7. Sweat

Sweat

30 minutes of vigorous physical exercise a day can help reduce your risk.  


8. Hard core

hardcore

Know your personal best body weight and keep it in check to reduce your risk.  


9. Balance Your Life

balance

Eating a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy body weight to reduce your risk.  


10. We Love Virgins

Every alcoholic drink can increase your risk, so once in a while, make it a virgin.


Want more info? Watch our sleek Your Best Breast Health videos or download Rethink’s cheeky Your Man Reminder app!  

You may also be interested in

Cancer is Crap: Never Let Go of the Potato: What to Say When Someone Has Cancer
Cancer is Crap: Losing My Marbles in The Hope-Fear Continuum
Myth: There is no link between alcohol and breast cancer.
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Phone: 416 220 0700
Registered Charity #: 892176116RR0001

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