No one likes the C word and by C word, we mean cancer. 

Cancer is no longer an “old person’s” disease. Different types of cancer are affecting the lives of people that vary in all ages. It does not discriminate against your age and it’s important for young adults to remember that. 

October is breast cancer awareness month, so naturally it’s in the forefront of our minds. It’s important to remember that breast cancer is a year round disease and something to consider regularly. 

In honor of this great month, we have compiled statistics you should know, as well as tips, to help you detect this common disease early!

By The Numbers

Did you know? 

• 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime 

• In the US, breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women after skin cancer

• Approximately 12,000 women age 40 or younger are diagnosed with breast cancer every year

• 90% of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history 

• When breast cancer is detected early, the 5 year survival rate is 98% 

Ladies, Check Yourself! 

It is so important to check yourself monthly and make sure you understand what your “normal” is. Everyone is different and getting more familiar with your body is only going to help you recognize possible abnormalities. 

If you are ever unsure, call your doctor ASAP to get the proper evaluation. 

Here’s how you can check yourself at home: 

MIRROR MIRROR

Look in the mirror and see what you've got going on. Put your hands over your head and then on your hips. Boob and side boob are created equal, so be sure to include both.

MINI MASSAGE

Next, keep looking in the mirror and put one hand behind your head. Now place three fingers to your breast and check for anything that strikes you as weird or not your "normal".

UP AND DOWN

Move your three fingers in small circles with different levels of pressure. Gradually alternate between easy, medium, and hard while walking your fingers to the next area, instead of lifting them off your boobs.

YOUR PITS

Cover your entire breast up and down and into the armpit area, finishing inside your armpit. 

Leave no breast area unchecked! Side boobs are boobies, too. 

Spend extra time in your pits where your lymphatic system lives and where many breast cancers develop - they may need extra circle massage love. 

Cancer can be a scary, anxiety ridden topic to talk about, let alone think about! We need to start incorporating health driven conversations into our everyday lives! 

We can take the fear out of cancer by taking all the preventative measures we are able to. 

Just remember, it’s never too early to start checking!