how to reduce your risk of breast cancer
Nothing quite prepares you for being told you've got cancer. Even though you've had scans, blood tests and biopsies so you know it's a real possibility. You stop breathing, but your heart pounds so hard in your chest that you feel like it's going to burst free. White noise floods your ears and makes it hard to hear the next stuff your consultant has to say. The world stops turning, and everything is frozen in that moment.
150 people every day are told the news that they have breast cancer. And this number is rising every year. While statistically, older people are more likely to be diagnosed, an increasing number of women aged 40 and under are being diagnosed.
Like many things, why this is happening isn't conclusive. Some studies suggest that rising obesity rates, changes in lifestyles and taking drugs that mess with our hormones (such as the contraceptive pill) could all play a role.
What we do know is this. Everyone with breast tissue is at risk. Whatever gender you are born as or identify as now. There are some risks that you can't change, such as your family history/genetics, age and ethnicity. But there also plenty that you can. Being overweight, drinking alcohol, smoking and taking HRT have all been shown to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Some of these risks are small, some are way bigger. Knowing them is essential to help you make choices that could impact your future health. Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has a great page on breast cancer risk https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/risks-causes/risk-factors
Since my diagnosis and treatment, I've taken direct action to reduce the risks that I do have control over. I just wish I'd been educated about them earlier.
Every day this month I'll be sharing something about breast cancer. I've also changed my branding to pink this month, in solidarity with my BC sisters and to highlight #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth
Look, listen and learn. And for the love of god, check your chest.
D x