Be Breast Aware - Show You Care!
/Back in 2019, I was fortunate enough to catch the inspiring Samuel Johnston (OAM and founder of leading not for profit, Love Your Sister - affectionately known as LYS) at a Voltuneering Victoria conference, I attended through work.
In sharing his story, and all about Volunteering at LYS, Sam inspired me to take ownership of my own health and I'd like to take the opportunity to share my learnings as a "cancer avoider" and Masters of Public Heath student in the hope of spreading the message - show you care, be breast aware.
Sam sadly lost his beloved sister, Connie Johnson to cancer. In her loving memory, Sam and hIs sisters, Connie and Hilde created Love Your Sister (established 2012). To date, through their dedication, passion - and with the support of Aussie's just like you and I, LYS has raised a whopping $20M for Breast Cancer research and support.
The Importance of Regular Breast Checks - Keep Abreast and Check When You Rest!
A self breast check can be performed easily in the shower in a non-invasive way in comfort of your own home. Under lovely warm water, simply form circular motions around the breast, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities using two - three fingers. Then, start from the top of the breast and stroke downwards gentally pressing down as you move your fingers towards the areola area. Repeat this process until you have worked the entirity of your breast and then move on to the other. Be sure to be aware of any lumps or tissue changes that are new.
I conducted my first self breast check, after learning all about LYS, when I was 33 years old. Now, this may seem young for the onset of breast cancer - however research (rb.gy/f6tks2) has advised that the incidence of breast cancer amoung females aged 20 to 39 is increasing.
If you do discover any abnormalities then ensure you contact your GP to advise them. The GP will then preform a full breast screen, and if necissary send you for a precautionary mamogram. From experience, the process is non-envasive, easy to perform and allows you to be aware of any changes - taking action if needed.
The mamogram process is quite easy too, and is a quick way to further screen and assess any abnormalities that are identified. In my experience, I simply booked my mamogram appointment at a local (15 minutes down the road!) Pathology Centre and attended a 30 mintute (including wait time!) appointment.
The process itself envolves two perspect screens for your breasts and the practitioner will perform the test as such. The results are then provided to your GP, whom I contacted for follow up the week after my mamogram was undertaken. It is recommended that your perform self breast screens every month to keep abreast of any changes (rb.gy/lksxbj)!!
Breast Cancer Types - Cells, Proteins and Breast Cancer Development:
The formation of cancer can be attributed to three causal effects: mutations, or unfriendly changes within cells, defects in the role of proteins within the body and shortening of telomeres.
There are several different forms of breast cancer, including; 'ductal cell carcinomas in situ', lobular cell carcinomas in situ' - otherwise referred to as 'non-invasive' carcinomas. These cancer types are predominately found within the ducts or lobes of the breast, rather than the tissue itself. Cancers found in the tissue are known to be more invasive - 'invasive ductal carcinomas' (IDC) and 'invasive lobular carcinomas' (ILC). (rb.gy/p4bh9u)
Furthermore, other breast cancer types include:
Pagents Disease of the Nipple - Where cancer cells form in the area around the nipple. Unexpected changes in and around the areola and the nipple can be the first signs of tumour formation.
Phyllodes Tumours: This cancer is a rare form of cancer, mainly found to be begnin however, some tumours are found to be malignant (cancerous). (Reference: the role of proteins in phyllode tumour formation - (rb.gy/vjdffj)
Imflammatory Breast Cancer - Although rare, this is an agressive form of breast cancer. Often it does not cause a lump - making it difficult to recognise - this cancer blocks the lymph in the breast, leading to imflammation.
HER2 - Commonly found on progesterone, oestrogen and HER2 proteins, this form of cancer is particularly agressive - known as triple negative - meaning surgery, radiation and chemotherapy is recommended as an effective form of treatment for patients. Target therapies - such as immunotherapies - are also being investigated for effective and non-invasive treatment options.
Other: Metaplastic, Medullary, Mecinous.
The Role of Hormones in Breast Cancer:
Hormones also play a key role in ensuring homeostasis (holistic balance) for your body. Having balanced hormones can assist in overall energy production, stress management, anxiety symptoms and cancer prevention.
In some forms of breast cancer, certain proteins (or hormone receptors) can attach themselves to either estrogen or progesterone which can lead to the growth of breast cancer. This is known as HR+, or Hormone Receptor positive Breast Cancer.
Speaking of hormones - a mum of two, I attended regular Maternal Health appointment with my Maternal Health nurse and bub. This is also a great time to be aware of any changes in breast tissue as you go through your breastfeeding journey and those hormones work their magic!!
Happy Hormones supplements provide an effective and efficent way for you to balance your hormones. Feel more energised and loose the dreaded bloat with Happy Hormone supplements.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October:
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer awareness month? Donate now to support break-through precision medicine research across Austalia at loveyoursister.org - you can even register your own Breast Cancer fundraiser to show your much valued support!! Get creative with ideas for you, your friends and your loved ones - from hosting movie nights, to manicure brunches, gala dinners, fashion parades, or family friendly BBQ lunches - the choice for an engaging and memorable event is yours...and your donations go to a fantastic home-grown organisation, making great strides in the support of precision medicine research across our beautiful country.
Stay tuned to the blog for plenty of fun and exciting fundraising events leading up to Breast Cancer Awareness month!!
