The Keep A Breast Foundation was established in response to the growing need for breast cancer awareness programs that focus on educating young people. Fifteen years ago, I had friends being diagnosed in their 20s; none of us had prior comprehension of how early in life breast cancer could strike. That flipped a switch in my brain, and I realized that we needed to start the breast cancer prevention conversation sooner, with a focus on prevention. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a big opportunity to raise awareness. Organizations like us work on the issue all year, but this gives us a huge platform to encourage new people to become a part of the conversation. To get things started, here are a few ways that you can help lower your risk of breast cancer now.
Check Yourself!
In order to know when something is wrong, you have to know how your body feels when it’s right (“your normal” as we like to call it). We encourage everyone to ‘check your boobies’ monthly (guys too!) to know your normal. Young people can and do get breast cancer, so we encourage starting monthly self-checks as early as possible. No scary medical procedures, just getting to know your breasts and starting that positive relationship with them. Research shows that 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who discover their own lump. (Download our app to walk you through the steps and to set yourself a monthly reminder.)
Eat Your Medicine
Food is fuel, and nutrient-rich food is medicine for your body. By consuming produce like turmeric, cruciferous vegetables, garlic, and berries, you can reduce your risk of cancer, while enjoying other benefits like maintaining a healthy weight, reducing your risk of heart disease, and increased levels of energy. Another tip: Women who eat a fiber rich diet are 54 percent less likely to get breast cancer.
Move Your Body
Some studies have shown that just 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times a week can lower your risk of breast cancer by 30-50 percent. Exercise also boosts your T-cells, which strengthen your immune system and help you fight cancer cells. Hiking and other exercise releases adrenaline and endorphins, which can decrease tension, anxiety, and blood pressure levels. This can reduce risk of depression and will leave you feeling better physically and mentally, which will encourage you to continue your new healthy habits.
Detox Your Life
Environmental factors contribute to breast cancer diagnoses. That includes the products we use in our home and on our bodies. The cosmetics industry is very loosely regulated, and while one product may contain a “safe level” of harmful chemicals, the reality is that women use around 12 products daily, which equals an average of 168 chemicals that are exposed to our bodies. Men use less, but still expose their skin to around 85 chemicals everyday. When we use that many products that contain potential carcinogens, the levels of those chemicals pass the safety mark. Luckily, there are many great companies that produce non toxic cosmetics, personal care and cleaning products to keep our bodies free of as many toxins as we can control. Download Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep App to scan products in store so you can shop smart and non toxic!
De-stress
If you find yourself living a super fast-paced daily life, remember to slow down for yourself and decompress for your health. Long-term stress can open the door for breast cancer by increasing blood flow to tumors, feeding hormones that encourage tumor growth, and keeping your body in a constant state of inflammation. A few great ways to de-stress are to make sure you get enough sleep, listen to your favorite music when you feel stress coming on, practice digital detoxes daily, visualize a less stressful situation to trigger relaxation, and hang with your friends.
Guest author Shaney Jo Darden is founder and Chief Creative Officer of The Keep a Breast Foundation, a global non-profit organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness among younger demographics. Download their app (complete with monthly self-check reminders) here. Keep A Breast is celebrating its 15th birthday this year.
At Oscar, we understand that breast cancer can strike at any age. That’s why we don’t just cover annual in-network screening mammograms for women over 40. We also cover annual screenings for women below the age of 40 if they are at an increased risk of breast cancer as determined by their providers. Our Care Router can help you connect with a provider or screening facility, or just give us a call at 855-OSCAR-55 or email help@hioscar.com and we’ll be happy to help with that, as well as answer any questions about coverage and more.
