This unbiased post was sponsored by Brandbacker and Glamulet.
While there are many worthy causes to talk about and support in the month of October, one of the most well known is Breast Cancer Awareness. This year, I am teaming up with Glamulet to talk about breast cancer, what it is, how to perform self-exams, and what you can do to help raise awareness & funds for the cause.
Why am I writing this post? There’s an ever-growing amount of information out there about breast cancer, but if I’m being truly honest – I know next to nothing about it. That’s right. I’m 30 years old and I know very little about breast cancer other than the most basic definition of what it is. That’s why I’m using my blog to try to educate not only other women about this, but myself.
What Exactly Is Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a broad term for a class of diseases characterized by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life.
Did you know?
- One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
- Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.
- Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.
- Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.
info from: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Early Detection is Key!
Last month, my Doctor performed a breast exam on me and asked me if I was doing regularly, monthly checks for lumps. I was kind of embarrassed of myself, because the answer was “No”. Despite hearing repeatedly that it was something young women needed to be doing, I wasn’t… and I think it’s because I didn’t understand the importance of it or how to do the exam at home.
There are a few correct ways to perform a breast self-exam, or you can always go to your primary care physician or OB/GYN and get examined. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important. In fact, you should have your breasts examined monthly! If you are over the age of 40, you should do these monthly checks, but also see your doctor for a Mammogram 1-2 times per year.
Things to Look For:
- Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area
- A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast (some describe this as similar to an orange peel’s texture)
- A lump in the breast (It’s important to remember that all lumps should be investigated by a healthcare professional, but not all lumps are cancerous.)
Getting Involved – The Stylish Way!
Now that you know a little more about Breast Cancer and how to perform monthly self-exams, I want to talk about what you can do to help spread awareness and fund the cause. Like I mentioned, I’m teaming up with Glamulet this year and supporting their campaign.
Glamulet is an online store that offers fashionable jewelries – notably, their charms and bracelets. Not only are their pieces intricate and trendy, they are made from real silver! That’s right – these are not “silver toned” items, but are made from 925 (Sterling) Silver. Coolest part? Their charms are one of a kind and fit all major brands of bracelets (I’m looking at you Pandora owners!).
Why am I telling you this? Because Glamulet is donating 50% of their sales to charities that support breast cancer awareness. It’s the perfect way to support the cause, look awesome doing it and have a conversation piece so you can show it to your bestest girlfriends and teach them the importance of breast cancer awareness.
In fact, why not Buy a Charm for a friend? Every purchase you make means supporting Breast Cancer Awareness and I think that is a truly awesome thing.
Your Story
I encourage you to share your story with me. Are you a survivor? Friend or family to a survivor? I want to hear from you. I want you to share you experience with me and my other readers so that we can all benefit.
I’ve known a few women that have had breast cancer. I don’t have a family history of it, thankfully, but I know most women that get it have no family history. Scary.
My Mother passed from breast cancer in 1995 after fighting it for 10 years and my best friend is a survivor. Unfortunately, I know a bit too much about this type of cancer. Although, I do know that treatment and detection has come a very long way in the past 25 years. So cool that this company is selling gorgeous jewelry and giving such a generous amount to the important cause. Thank-you for this important post!
Breast cancer is a very serious disease in my family. It runs high on my mother’s side. My grandmother’s sister died at the age of 40 from it, and my grandmother died from a combination of breast cancer and lung cancer in her 60’s when I was 13. My mom doesn’t get checked nearly as often as I would like, which scares me, and she still smokes, which also scares me, so it’s like a double whammy right there. :( But I make sure to check myself often, because I KNOW that it runs in my family and I’m terrified of getting it myself.
Oh, and even though I wanted to reply on this anyway, because it’s something near and dear to me, and because you’re my friend and I read your blog, I’m also supposed to say My So-Called Chaos sent me, lol. :-p