October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, something that I hold close to my heart.

1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer sometime in their life, and there’s a good chance that either you, yourself, or someone close to you has had to deal with this as well.

As a breast cancer survivor who has been cancer free for over two years now, I want to share a bit about what my journey looked like and provide some information to help you avoid it.

Early detection is key

The good news is that when breast cancer is caught early, there is nearly a 99% survival rate. That is why there is so much promotion about early detection because if you catch breast cancer early before it spreads to other parts of the body, it’s very treatable. 

A large reason why I had to go through so many treatments was because it was not detected quite early enough. 

I know there are a lot of women who have fear. They don’t like going to the doctor or having tests run, and a lot of women are afraid of mammograms because you just want it out of your mind.

Do not procrastinate. Make sure that you are getting these tests every single year as it can provide valuable information to you. 

The importance of listening to your intuition

One of my biggest regrets was not listening to my intuition that something wasn’t right with my body and that I should get it checked out. 

I ignored the discomfort that my body was feeling, and unfortunately, ignored it for too long. 

If you are one of those women out there who have dense breasts or fibrocystic breasts, get your mammogram every year. After the mammogram, insist on getting that ultrasound because it is crucial for the diagnosis.

Different types of prevention

While 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer, that statisic is based on every woman regardless of age, physical fitness, and other health factors. 

There are quite a few things you can do to reduce your chances.

  • Stay physically active

Women who are physically active have a 25% less chance of developing breast cancer. All it takes is walking three days a week and that can dramatically reduce your chances. 

Walk for 30 to 45 minutes, three days a week, to ensure that you are staying active and getting in your daily movement. This can make a significant difference in the long run.

  • Have a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight

Those who are overwieght and obese have a much higher incidence of breast cancer. Limiting your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day or only one to three drinks per week is an important step. 

This also includes feeding your body clean, whole foods whenever possible and ensuring that you are getting in all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your body needs daily. 

  • Avoid chemicals and hormonal contraceptives

According to Mayo Clinic, there are some links to hormone contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy, both of which I had used thorughout my life. 

Additionally, chemicals can be found nearly everywhere from the foods that we eat to the air that is arround us. Read your labels, buy organic, and make sure that what you’re eating and drinking is clean. 

This also goes for reducing chemicals in your home through things like your cleaning products, scented candles, and more. 

  • Schedule in your mammograms every single year

Do not delay. Get your mammograms done the same month, every single year, and do self exams constantly. 

Do not be afraid if you find anything suspicious, and don’t hold off on going to the doctor to have it checked out immediately. 

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Remember, you are your biggest advocate. If your mammogram is saying everything is fine, but your intuition is telling you otherwise, or you aren’t feeling your best, this is your body giving you a message that you are uncomfortable for a reason and that you need to get checked out.

 

Never discount your own intuition, and don’t be afraid to speak out about how you’re feeling when you can.