A recent sisterly chat regarding self-awareness and acceptance lead to a revelation that one of the young women has “completely forsaken” wearing a bra. The little sisters all gasped! The old mother laughed and said she’d do the same thing if she could get away with it. The next item of discussion was whether or not anyone had noticed before the disclosure and whether or not the wearing of such an undergarment is even healthy for women (not to mention whether or not it’s comfortable). The health benefits for women related to wearing a bra have long been debated. At this point, it doesn’t seem there’s any real evidence that wearing or not wearing one is connected to breast tissue health, or to overall women’s health. October is “Breast Cancer Awareness” month, so let’s take a look at some things that ARE connected to one of the most often diagnosed cancers (in women) in the United States. Women and men both need to be aware of possible signs something needs to be addressed. Changes in the nipple such as newly inverting nipples, lump(s) or thickening in breast tissue (or in the armpit) that feels different from the surrounding tissue, changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast or to the skin covering the breasts (for instance, dimpling in the skin) are all possible red flags. Although lifestyle choices increase breast cancer risks, some of us wind up with breast cancer, even when risk-increasing lifestyle and environmental factors aren’t or weren’t present. We know a small percentage of us have inherited an increased probability for developing breast cancer from our ancestors who passed mutated genes to us through generations. Being informed, aware and vigilant may be the best we can do. Considering the risks, and that there’s nothing we know of that will prevent it, keeping a watchful eye is imperative. Here are some of the risk factors: being a woman (oopsie, what was I thinking?), increasing age, personal or family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation, obesity, beginning of menses prior to age 12, passing through menopause at an ‘older’ age, having a first child after the age of 30, having never been pregnant, post-menopausal hormone therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, and drinking alcohol. Very simply; the only things we can do to decrease breast cancer risks are these: 1) Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise. 2) Limit or omit alcohol consumption, and 3) If you’re post-menopausal, use the lowest possible dose of hormone therapy, or discontinue it. Be self-aware. Know your body. Notice how it’s changing. Self-examine monthly (without your bra 😊). Keep a watchful eye. Be well. (visit breastcancer.org for more information.)

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