Preventive measures in women's health
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an important opportunity to raise awareness about women's health and learn about the impact of breast cancer on those within our community. Below we’ve outlined the role of some preventative measures in women’s health to get familiar with.
Early detection
The diagnosis of breast cancer begins with breast exams and mammograms. Sometimes breast cancer can be detected from signs and symptoms, such as a lump, however it is common for many women with breast cancer to have no symptoms. This is why regular breast checks are so important. Early detection of breast cancer includes doing breast self-massage, self-checks and scheduling regular breast exams with a health professional. Getting to know our own body is vital for noticing any changes in the breast shape or skin over time. This is all part of self-care when it comes to women’s health and the early detection of breast cancer.
Lifestyle factors and prevention
Lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, reducing alcohol intake and avoiding inflammation in general can play a role in lowering the risk of breast cancer. Prioritise eating well, regular exercise, stress management and quality sleep. A balanced diet consisting of various fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and gut-friendly foods should be followed. Include more foods that are high in fibre and anti-inflammatory, as well as fermented foods, probiotics and prebiotics to benefit your microbiome. Limit your intake of sugar, red meat, processed meat and alcohol.
The impact of stress management
Explore stress reduction strategies as part of breast cancer prevention. Chronic stress in a person’s lifetime can affect hormone levels and immune function. This can disrupt the body’s processes and put the health of your mind and body at risk, leaving you more susceptible to illness. Learning healthy ways to cope with the stressors in your life is therefore significant. There are a variety of stress-reducing practices that can be added to your daily routine, including relaxation exercises such as yoga, breathwork, massage and meditation. Taking a walk in nature using the practice of forest bathing is excellent for stress management.
Empowerment through knowledge
Knowledge is power. No one can underestimate the importance of educating yourself and being an advocate for personal health. Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights the cause and brings women together in solidarity. You can encourage women to share knowledge within their communities and support one another. This also extends to understanding the impact of the language used around cancer. Over the years, a narrative around “fighting” breast cancer has been formed. This is problematic for many patients and professionals working towards a cure. In Illness as Metaphor, Susan Sontag explains how society distorts our perception of illness and such terminology implies that a battle that must be fought; a fight against your own body - no cure and the battle is lost. As Sontag puts it, “The fight is all inside one's own body”. Instead of perpetuating the phrase “fighting against cancer”, she proposes a focus on the physical components and treatment of cancer as a disease of cellular biology.
View our step-by-step guide for breast self-massage on the Ora Collective membership platform as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Members can sign up here for a free trial.