It's October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Just a lovely reminder that it’s October and therefore it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer in American women, except for skin cancers.

Did you know 1 in 8 Women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime?

On average, every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

Men can get breast cancer too! Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate.

There are over 3.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Early detection and screening are very important. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. It's very important to check your breasts regularly and see your Physician if you notice a change.

What are the common breast cancer signs and symptoms?

  • a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it

  • a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling

  • a change in the color of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed

  • a change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)

  • rash or crusting around the nipple

  • any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple

  • changes in size or shape of the breast

Do a Self-Breast Examination.

You can do this in the shower, lying down or in front of the mirror. Check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits. Do this regularly to check for changes.

  • Touch your breasts: can you feel anything unusual?

  • Look for changes: does anything look different?

  • Check any changes with your Physician

If you have felt or seen anything unusual. Please make sure you get checked out by your doctor as soon as possible. Don’t wait. Take care of yourself first.

You can also get screened by getting a mammogram.

And if you ever encounter a Doctor that dismisses your concerns, go get a 2nd opinion from another Physician. You have the right to be heard not dismissed.

As for Breast Cancer Prevention

It all comes down to lifestyle factors.  Eat healthy food, exercise, don’t do drugs.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), limiting alcohol, eating mostly plant foods and maintaining a normal body weight was associated with a 62% lower risk of breast cancer.

Another study was done and they found that women in Asia have less breast cancer because they consume green tea and mushrooms. Green tea has been associated with about a 30% reduction in breast cancer risk. Women consuming one half of a mushroom or more per day had 64% lower odds of breast cancer.

In conclusion, consume things in moderation and please check your breasts every day!

Always consult your physician. 

Now also don’t forget it’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used to gain or maintain power & control over a partner. It’s also referred to as intimate partner violence or relationship abuse.

Domestic violence can be in the form of physical abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, sexual abuse and financial abuse.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. People of any race, age, gender, sexuality, religion, education level or economic status can be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence.

  • 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.

  • The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.

  • Intimate partner violence is most common against women between the ages of 18-24.

  • Between 21%-60% of victims of intimate partner violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from the abuse.

Here are Some Signs of Physical Abuse:

  1. Your partner throws objects at you.

  2. Your partner drives recklessly or dangerously with you in the car, or abandons you in unfamiliar places.

  3. Your partner prevents you from leaving yoru home or traps you at home.

  4. Your partner uses weapons against you, including firearms, knives, bats or common household items (like plates or books).

Signs of Emotions or Verbal Abuse:

  1. Your partner isolates you from family, friends, or other people in your life.

  2. Your partner humiliates you in any way, especially in front of others.

  3. Your partner gaslights you by questioning your recollection of facts or events.

  4. Your partner calls you names, insults you or constantly criticizes you.

Signs of Sexual Abuse:

  1. Your partner forces you to dress in a sexual way you’re uncomfortable with.

  2. Your partner involves other people in your sexual activities against your will.

  3. Your partner forces you to watch or make porn.

  4. Your partner forces or manipulates you into have sex or performing sexual acts especially when you’re sick, tired or physically injured.

Signs of Financial Abuse

  1. Your partner provides you with an allowance and closely monitors how you spend it.

  2. Your partner prevents you from viewing or accessing bank accounts.

  3. Your partner deposits your paycheck into an account you can’t access.

  4. Your partner maxes out your credit cards without permission or intentionally harms your credit score.

Signs of Digital Abuse

  1. Your partner uses smart home technology or social media to track your movements.

  2. Your partner sends unwanted sexts and pressures you to send photos or videos.

  3. Your partner insists on being given your social media account passwords.

  4. Your partner makes you feel like you can’t be separated from your phone for fear that you’ll anger them.

You are not alone. To seek help in the United States, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 1 800 799 SAFE (7233)

Chat: thehotline.org

Text “START” to 88788

Be safe everyone!

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