Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and although this post isn't about endometriosis, the two are very much connected. People with endo have a higher chance of getting Breast Cancer, so I want to make sure everyone is educated and knows what to look for. My family has been personally affected by Breast Cancer and I think a lot of you can say the same, unfortunately, so I want to use my platform to spread awareness about all women's health issues.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in women and rarely in men. Symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the nipple or breast.

How common is Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately, Breast Cancer is very common. 1 in 8 women have a lifetime risk of getting Breast Cancer.

How is Breast Cancer Treated?

Specific treatment depends on the stage one has, but treatment usually consists of radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. 

Are there different types of Breast Cancer?

Yes, these are the two most common types:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma: the cancer cells grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma: cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

• New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood
• Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast

What can I do to reduce my risk?

Keeping a healthy lifestyle is always helpful, but one thing you can do is an at-home breast exam (pictured below):

Make sure doing a breast exam every month makes it on to your schedule because early detection is so important and could save a life. This is something quick and simple you can do at home to make sure you are healthy. Please feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram @endoisnottheendblog if you have any questions or if there are other women's health topics you want me to cover!

More info about Breast Cancer: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/prevention.htm