​Hello, Warriors! How are you feeling? With a new day comes another opportunity to stay active and live your best life. We hope you’re taking advantage of the outdoors to catch a bit of fresh air (sans humidity). Thank you for taking time out of your active schedule to visit The Breast Place blog. Welcome! We cover a range of topics here, including breast cancer management, anti-aging skin treatments, and tips for overall health and wellness. The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Check out our previous posts about how the water you’re using may be affecting your skin and the importance of genetic testing! And, of course, be sure to return here for further tips on how to improve and prioritize your health!
 
Today we want to provide you with a comprehensive resource full of information concerning male breast cancer. Many people aren’t aware men can develop breast cancer. This misconception, combined with a lack of general medical knowledge, can contribute to later diagnoses for men with breast cancer. We hope to bring awareness to the reality of breast cancer for men, as well as detail potential differences in symptoms and treatment. We’ll discuss risk factors which might leave a man predisposed to developing breast cancer and quote survival rates among men. We hope this article is helpful! 
 
Overview
 
Men and women are both born with breast tissue and milk-producing glands within the breast. Women, unlike men, continue to develop breast tissue during puberty. For this reason, breast cancer among men is relatively rare. About one in one-hundred—or one-percent—of breast cancer cases are diagnosed within men. Men develop the same types of breast cancer as women. The first and most common type is invasive ductal carcinoma, which occurs when cancer develops in the milk duct. The second most common type is invasive lobular carcinoma, which occurs when cancer develops in the milk-producing glands. Men have less lobules within their breast tissue, which accounts for the decreased rate of this type of cancer within men. 
 
Finally, there are a few other types of cancers (or diseases which can lead to cancer). Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early, noninvasive stage of the invasive ductal carcinoma. Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare form of breast cancer, only affecting one to five percent of all breast cancer patients, and is characterized by redness and swelling. This inflammation is the result of cancer cells blocking the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast. There’s also Paget’s disease, which is another rare form of breast cancer. Paget’s disease, when of the breast, begins in the nipple and expands outward to the edge of the areola. The disease can often be mistaken for a skin condition, such as dermatitis. 
 
There are plenty of risk factors which can contribute to (or indicate an increased chance of) breast cancer development. The first risk factor is age. The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age and most breast cancer within men is diagnosed after the age of sixty. Another key risk factor is exposure to the hormone estrogen. This increased exposure could come from hormone therapy (often used to treat prostate cancer). Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic syndrome resulting from males being born with an extra copy of the X chromosome, can lead to abnormal development of the testicles and increased production of estrogen. Liver disease or conditions which affect the liver (like cirrhosis) can increase production of estrogen. Obesity, or being significantly overweight, is linked to higher levels of estrogen within the body. Any disease of surgery which impairs or prevents the function of the testicles can result in an increased risk of developing breast cancer for men. As well, radiation therapy which has targeted the chest area can increase risk. 
 
Another major risk factor is a family history of cancer. Especially if the common type in your family is breast cancer and the affected relative is immediate. Our last article, The Importance of Genetic Testing, covers the implications of a family history rife with cancer diagnoses. If this is your situation, your doctor may recommend you undergo genetic testing. This testing will expose the presence of inherited genetic mutations which might leave you at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The primary genetic mutations which contribute to breast cancer development are BRCA1 and BRCA2. 
 
Symptoms
 
Men are more likely to have a lump which can be felt as a symptom of their breast cancer. This lump will, most often, be painless to the touch. Other than this, most men's breast cancer symptoms lineup with women’s’. You should look for a lump or thickening of the breast tissue. There may be alterations to one’s nipple, such as puckering, dimpling, redness, and scaling. As well, there may be discharge coming from one or both nipples. Since men aren’t taught to check themselves for breast cancer, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage than women. This is why it’s important to visually and physically assess your body for sudden changes. 
 
Treatment
 
The process for diagnosing breast cancer is the same among both men and women. After an initial physical examination, a mammogram will be ordered. After the mammogram, typically an ultrasound is next. This is followed by an MRI and blood tests. Then, usually, a biopsy. From here, treatment paths can diverge widely depending on the results of these tests, the type of cancer, and whether the cancer has spread. Further tests will be required to determine where the cancer has spread, if so. Then, further testing will determine when the cancer cells have certain receptors (i.e. estrogen, progesterone, human epidermal growth factor type two). Based on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend a variety of treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or another targeted therapy. 
 
Survival Rates
 
Survival rates are relative and based on the overall population. Instead of being grouped into the AJCC TNM stages (i.e. stage one, stage two, etc.), survival rates based on the SEER database classify patients into three types. The first type is localized and refers to cancer which has not spread outside of its original formation spot. The second type is regional and refers to cancer which has spread to the area surrounding the formation spot. The third type is distant and refers to cancer which has spread throughout the body. These rates are relative because an eighty-percent five-year survival rate means a patient is eighty percent likely, on average, to live another five years as someone who does not have the same type of cancer. These numbers apply to when the cancer is first diagnosed and do not take into account circumstantial factors (e.g. age and lifestyle), nor certain genetic and protein-based mutations within someone’s cancer. Therefore, it's best you review these numbers with your healthcare provider to have a better understanding of your survival rate. 
 
The five-year survival rate for cancer diagnoses in the localized stage is ninety-seven percent. The five-year survival rate for cancer diagnoses in the regional stage is eighty-three percent. And the five-year survival rate for cancer diagnoses in the distant stage is twenty-two percent. These numbers are comparative to women’s survival rates, as well. Given the vast differences in survival rates between the localized and distant stages, early diagnosis is the most significant determining factor in survival rate. As we mentioned above, men are often diagnosed in later stages than women because they are unaware they need to be checking themselves for breast cancer. This is why male breast cancer awareness is so important. 
 
 
Providing support and resources to our male Warriors is of the utmost importance to us. Dealing with breast cancer is difficult enough and men who have been diagnosed can feel as though they do not have a community to turn to. We’re here to tell you that’s not true! You have us! We are here to provide both the information and treatment you need to face your diagnosis. The Breast Place offers several breast imaging services, including: mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. We also offer family history and genetic testing services. We specialize in both malignant and benign tumors and will assist you with determining the best course of action following your test results. Reach out today if you have any questions or concerns! Until next time, thanks for reading!

​Hello, Warriors! How are you? We hope you’re living your best life and staying active. Late summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors and catch a little fresh air. Thank you for visiting The Breast Place blog and welcome! We cover a range of topics here, from breast cancer management to skin care treatments to women’s overall health and wellness. The Breast Place is committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Check out our previous posts about teaching your daughters how to perform a self-exam and how the water you’re using may be affecting your skin! And, of course, be sure to return here for further rips on how to improve and prioritize your health!
 
Today, we want to give you an in-depth look at what exactly genetic testing entails. We’ll go over who is best suited for genetic testing, as well as its ramifications on breast cancer treatment. If genetic testing is something you’ve been considering for a while, then this article is definitely for you. Likewise, if genetic testing is simply something you’d like to be better informed about, read on!
 
What is Genetic Testing?
 
Genetic testing began in the 1950s when scientists discovered a replication of chromosome 21 causes Down’s syndrome. The staining of chromosomes, referred to as karyotyping, allowed scientists to count the number of chromosomes present in DNA. Since then, advancements have afforded scientists the ability to isolate individual chromosomes and identify structural mutations. Various mutations in genes can expose us to increased risk for certain diseases, illnesses, and cancers. Often, these genetic mutations are inherited. Genetic testing offers individuals the option to be aware of which illnesses they are genetically predisposed to developing, as well as alter their lifestyles in order to decrease their risk of developing these illnesses. 
 
Known Harmful Genetic Mutations
 
The most significantly harmful genetic mutations which increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The capability to test for these specific genes was only acquired as recently as 1996. Individuals, both men and women, who carry one or both of these genetic mutations are determined to have Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC). This syndrome increases women’s risk of developing breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and other forms of cancer. Similarly, this syndrome increases men’s chances of developing breast, prostate, pancreatic, and other forms of cancer. 
 
The BRCA genetic mutations are not the only genetic mutations which can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. The other genes which can harbor harmful mutations are the PALB2, CHEK2, ATM, PTEN, and TP53 genes. Not all genetic tests check for inherited mutations associated with these genes. If a family member of yours has a genetic mutation associated with one of these genes, you should discuss being tested for these mutations with your genetic counselor. 
 
According to research, an estimated five to ten percent of breast cancers are the result of an inherited genetic mutation. Further, between fifty-five and seventy-two percent of females with the harmful BRCA1 mutation variation, and forty-five to sixty-nine percent of females with the harmful BRCA2 mutation variation, are likely to develop breast cancer before the age of eighty. These staggering statistics provide a strong basis for early genetic testing, especially for those with a family history of multiple cancers. 
 
Who Should Be Tested
 
It is not recommended that everyone be tested for genetic mutations associated with breast cancer. If you or a close family member were diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, or triple negative breast cancer (which tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein), then you should be tested. The number of family members diagnosed with breast cancer, the age they were when they were diagnosed, and how close they are in relation to you, all affect your chances of having a harmful genetic mutation. If you have a family member who has tested positive for one of the harmful BRCA mutations, then you should be tested. If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent or have been diagnosed with breast cancer a second time (not a recurrence of the first cancer), then you might be more likely to have a harmful genetic mutation. 
 
The Process of Genetic Testing
 
To begin with, you should consult a genetic counselor or genetic specialist. This professional will be able to, using your family history, estimate your risk for certain genetic mutations. They will be able to put together a panel of genes to test for and answer any questions you may have about the potential results. Testing can target a specific mutation or a range of different mutations, depending on your situation. Once you’ve determined which genetic mutations to test for, a medical professional will collect a sample of your blood or saliva (by cheek swab). This sample will then be sent off to a lab to be reviewed. 
 
You can expect your results to be returned within two to four weeks, allotting extra time for more extensive testing panels. When analyzing the reported results of your genetic testing, you may be confused by the answer. You can receive a positive result, which means you do indeed have a harmful genetic mutation and there are steps which you can subsequently take to decrease your risk of developing breast cancers (and other cancers). You can receive a negative result, however this doesn’t necessarily ensure you do not have a harmful genetic mutation. There is a chance you were not tested for the full range of genetic mutations and a harmful genetic mutation predisposing you to breast cancer has been missed. In this case, further testing would be required. You can also receive an inconclusive result, which means the tests were not able to determine whether you do or do not have harmful genetic mutations. Finally, you can receive a positive for a variant of unknown significance (VOS) result, which means you’ve tested positive for a genetic mutation which science hasn’t yet connected to an increased or decreased risk. 
 
There is still much work to be done in genetic testing research. For this reason, you must take any results from genetic testing with a grain of salt. Genetic testing is, on the whole, incredibly accurate. Still, you’ll want to have your results interpreted and explained by a genetic counselor who can give you a plan for the immediate future regardless of your results. 
 
There are at-home genetic testing kits available and approved by the FDA. However, these kits usually only test for a handful of the BRCA mutations, and not the over one-thousand variations which exist. Therefore, they cannot provide much by way of comfort or relief, even with a negative result. 
 
Impact on Treatment
 
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time, undergoing genetic testing and being determined positive for a harmful genetic mutation can affect your treatment plan. According to research comparing breast cancer patients who tested positive for BRCA mutations and breast cancer patients who tested negative for BRCA mutations, BRCA-positive patients underwent double-mastectomy surgeries much more often than BRCA-negative patients (66% > 24%). Conversely, BRCA-positive patients were less likely to undergo radiation treatment than patients who tested negative for BRCA (51% < 82%). Finally, BRCA-positive patients underwent chemotherapy at a slightly higher rate than BRCA-negative patients (38% > 30%). This data suggests breast cancer patients who tested positive for the BRCA mutation and their physicians are more aggressive in preventative measures such as mastectomies and treatments such as chemotherapy, but less aggressive in treatment measures such as radiation (perhaps because patients are planning to undergo mastectomies in the future or fear the effects of radiation). As well, BRCA-positive patients having an increased likelihood of developing breast cancer multiple times may explain the vastly higher rate of double-mastectomy. 
 
Positive and Negative Considerations
 
Even if you have not currently been diagnosed with breast cancer, being aware of the presence of a harmful genetic mutation can affect how you live and thus affect your chances of developing cancer later in life. If you do test positive for harmful genetic mutation, you can make lifestyle changes such as being more physically active and lessening your alcohol consumption. You could also opt for preventative surgery, such as a double-mastectomy, or chemoprevention medication to lessen your risk. 
 
If the results of your genetic testing are negative, this can be a great relief to many. Of course, a negative result doesn’t erase the possibility of developing breast cancer, but it can be comforting to know you aren’t any more likely than someone else. 
 
On the other hand, some individuals aren’t adequately equipped to handle the mental and emotional stress of a positive result. If this is the case, you might opt out of genetic testing or seek professional help with coping with your results, whatever they might entail. 
 
Genetic testing can be expensive, ranging from three-hundred to five thousand dollars depending on the facility you choose. There are insurance providers who will cover the cost if the testing is medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider and verify their guidelines before ordering tests. 
 
 
If you fall under the scope of individuals who should be tested for genetic mutations—the sooner you seek answers, the better. We offer genetic testing and family history evaluations here at The Breast Place. You’ll meet with one of our qualified, highly-trained medical professionals to determine your inherent risk and be tested for a panel of harmful genetic mutations. Take your future into your own hands and schedule a consultation today. We’ll assist you with determining the best course of action following your test results. The Breast Place also offers several breast imaging services, including: mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. We’re here to help!

Hello, Warriors! We hope you’re doing well and thriving! Welcome to The Breast Place blog, where we cover a range of topics from breast cancer management to skin care treatments to women’s health. We’re committed to sharing the best health practices and treatment options with you! Check out our previous posts about mask-related acne and teach your daughters how to perform a self-exam! Be sure to check back in for more information you need to live your best life!
 
Today, we’ll be detailing the effect of water on your skin. Whether you’re drinking water or washing your face with it, water plays a vital role in allowing our bodies to function properly. We’ve all been inundated with “remember to drink water’ posts and perhaps you’ve even started to incorporate water consumption into your daily routine. However, the type of water you drink and use on your body can have effects on your skin you didn’t intend for. We’ll go over the benefits of drinking an adequate amount of water, as well as which types of water you should avoid to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy!
 
Benefits of Drinking Water
 
According to the ‘Natural Mineral Waters: Chemical Characteristics and Health Effects,’ a scientific paper studying the benefits of mineral water on the body, “water is involved in many body functions, since it serves as a carrier of nutrients and substances in the circulatory system. Furthermore, it is a vehicle to excrete products, eliminate waste and toxins, and it also lubricates joints. However, there is no efficient mechanism of the body's water storage; therefore, a constant supply of fluids is needed to keep water content.” (Quattrini). 
 
Drinking an adequate amount of water can help to tighten skin, maintain your body’s natural pH balance, flush toxins, retain skin elasticity and prevent wrinkles, as well as reduce breakouts and the appearance of dark circles. All of that, you say? Yes! And more. 
 
Allowing your body to become dehydrated is detrimental not only to your skin, but also all of your other body functions. Now you’re aware of the importance of drinking plenty of water daily, the next question is...
 
How Much Water Should You Drink A Day
 
How much water you consume on a daily basis varies depending on a set of personal factors, including: metabolism, weight, height, and daily activity. While some medical professionals recommend an all-encompassing five to eight glasses a day, others ask you to do a bit of math to determine the appropriate amount of daily water consumption. The formula takes your weight in pounds and divides it in half. The resulting number is how many ounces of water you should consume per day. For example, a two-hundred pound man would drink  one-hundred ounces of water per day. 
 
Different Aspects of Water and How They Affect Your Skin
 
Water may seem simple at first glance. Water is water, right? Well, not quite. 
 
Consider the water aisle at your local grocery store. There are multiple different brands and all manner of different kinds of water available for consumption. We’re here to tell you some of those types are better for your skin, both orally and topically.
 
Let’s begin with the one most of us have access to in our homes--tap water. Tap water is cheap and widely available, making it the most convenient option for the general population to both drink and wash with. However, as we’ve seen on the news in past years, tap water may not always be the best to drink. Tap water can contain plastic particles, lead, pesticide residue, aluminum, and other contaminants we don’t want circulating through our systems. Extra toxins can and will have an effect on our skin. Therefore, you might want to consider investing in a filtration system to filter out the microscopic contaminants present in tap water. Purified water—water which has been chemically treated to be safe to drink—may be an option for your drinking water as well, but we’ll discuss later why it may not be the best option for your skin. 
 
As well, tap water has a pH of about 7, which is considered neutral. Tap water can run more alkaline, in certain areas. Our skin has a natural pH of about 5 (ideally, 4.7), which is slightly acidic. When our skin is left unwashed for at least twenty-four hours, it generally dips below a 5 on the pH-scale. This pH contributes to what’s known as our acid mantle, which is essential for our skin’s health and health. The acidity of our skin allows resident bacteria to continue living on the skin, but makes the skin inhospitable to other types of bacteria. Breakdowns in the acid mantle can lead to acne and infections. Alkaline soaps and water (such as tap water) can raise the pH of your skin for a temporary period and potentially interrupt the acid mantle. Skin that’s too alkaline is dry, tight, and dull. Meanwhile, skin that’s too acidic is greasy, irritated, and overly sensitive. 
 
As an alternative to tap water, you might choose to drink and wash your face with distilled water. Distilled water is tap water that has been boiled and had its steam collected. This steaming process leaves behind contaminants and is a great option if you don’t trust your tap water. Distilled water, lacking minerals, can sometimes pull minerals from your body and teeth. However, its pH is close to 5, meaning distilled water won’t bring up the pH balance of your skin. That’s why it’s recommended you use distilled water for your skin and drink mineral water instead. 
 
Mineral water is collected from select springs and contains a host of beneficial minerals. Defined as “microbiologically wholesome,” mineral water must be absent of the main contamination factors (e.g. parasites, E. Coli, fecal matter) at the time of collection and marketing. Below is a list of some minerals found in mineral water and how they benefit your body: 
 
            Calcium

• Bone development, regulation of muscle contractor and myocardium activity, blood clotting, nerve impulses transmission, regulation of cell permeability. 
• Plays a major role in the firmness and elasticity of our skin. Calcium-rich foods deter acne. Calcium deficiency can result in thin skin, brittle nails, and hair loss. 

 
            Chlorine

• Hydrochloric acid formation (digestive juices for digestion process). 

 
            Phosphorus

• Protein synthesis, ATP synthesis and transport of energy in biological systems.

 
            Magnesium

• Bone formation, nervous and muscular activities, lipid metabolism and protein synthesis, CVD protection.
• Magnesium keeps our nervous system running with problems. A deficiency of magnesium can speed up skin aging. Drinking excessively can deplete the magnesium stores in our bodies. 

 
Potassium

• Muscles and myocardium activities, neuromuscular excitability, acid-base balance, water retention and osmotic pressure. 
• Potassium helps regulate the amount of water held in our cells. Therefore, being deficient in potassium can lead to dry skin (and other skin ailments). Potassium is also an electrolyte. 

 
            Sodium

• Fundamental regulation of cell permeability and body fluids.

 
            Sulphur

• Essential amino acids, cartilage, hair and nail formation, enzyme activity in redox processes and cellular respiration, intestinal peristalsis. 

 
            Cobalt

• Constituent of vitamin B12; growth factor, nucleic acid synthesis, hematopoiesis.

 
            Chromium

• Enzymatic reactions involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. 

 
            Iron

• Blood and muscle tissues; hemoglobin, myoglobin. 

 
            Fluoride

• Protection and prevention of tooth decay, bone development; diseases related to excess. 

 
            Iodide

• Essential for the synthesis of hormones that are involved in the growth process and body development. 

 
            Manganese

• Synthesis of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of proteins and sugars, bone development. 

 
            Molybdenum

• Production of enzymes associated with uric acid. 

 
Copper

• Functionality of several enzymes in blood and muscles.
• Copper promotes the production of collagen and elastin--two essential proteins which give skin its strength and elasticity. Copper also boosts the effectiveness of antioxidants (such as Selenium) and protects skin from oxidative damage. 

 
            Selenium

• Protection of the muscle membrane integrity, antioxidant. 
• Selenium is an antioxidant and can protect your skin against potential damage from UV rays. It is essential for maintaining skin elasticity. 

 
Many of these minerals aid in digestion. Digestion plays an important role in the appearance of our skin. Good digestion helps eliminate toxins from the body and reduce inflammation. When our digestive system isn’t operating effectively, our bodies struggle to absorb nutrients and toxins can reintegrate into our systems, then express through our skin. 
 
Not every bottle of mineral water will contain all of these macro and micronutrients. As well, mineral water can be expensive. As well, you should be able to acquire the necessary quantities of these nutrients through a balanced diet. The alternative, spring water (which also contains minerals) isn’t always tested and may contain health risks. Therefore, a combination of drinking mineral water and using distilled (reverse osmosis) water on your face should give you everything you need—both inside and out—to keep your skin looking its best. 
 
Remember to tone after using an acidic or alkaline cleanser to restore your skin to its natural pH balance. Additionally, avoid spending too much time in chlorinated water. 
 
            Hardness
           
Another important factor you need to consider is the hardness of your tap water. Hard water contains soap scum—dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium—which leaves a thin layer of residue on the skin even after washing with soap. This residue can clog pores and lead to breakouts, as well as worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Hard water can dry skin out and prevent our natural oils from doing their job of conditions and softening our skin. All of this drying can lead to premature aging. If that wasn’t bad enough, those impurities present in hard water can form free radicals which damage healthy skin cells, causing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.  If you have an irritated scalp or dandruff, hard water may be making the issue worse. Hard water has been found to be an environmental trigger of eczema. 
 
Soft water, on the other hand, lacks these mineral deposits. Therefore, soft water is gentler on your skin and won’t trigger skin condition flare-ups. Soft water won’t give you the telltale “squeaky clean” feeling hard water will give after a shower, but that’s a positive. Clean skin should feel slick and slippery, not tight. Hard water actually has a difficult time bonding to soap and forming a lather, which makes it less effective when cleansing the body. 
 
If you suspect your water is too hard, you can do a water hardness test to confirm your suspicions. Then, if you were correct, invest in a new showerhead which filters hard water or applies a softening agent. As well, rinsing your skin with acidic water (i.e. ionized water or heavily diluted apple cider vinegar) can remove some of the residue from hard water still present on your skin after washing. 
 
Temperature
 
Though you may love hot showers or extol the benefits of a cold shower, the optimal temperature for extended exposure to water is lukewarm. Water that’s too hot can irritate and strip the skin. There’s no harm in splashing your face in cold water or taking a cold shower every once in a while. In fact, we’re sure you’ve read about the benefits of doing this. However, the safest bet every time is lukewarm water. 
 
 
There you have it! Everything you need to know about how the water you drink and use can affect your skin, in a nutshell. We hope this information leads to noticeable improvements in your skin. And, one last time, drink your water!
 
Here at The Breast Place we offer a list of facial rejuvenation services, including Excel V+ (vascular laser), Secret RF (micro-needling with radio frequency), dermal fillers, and Botox. Facial rejuvenation can address concerns such as excessive redness, uneven texture, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. We also have Dr. Des Fernandes, a skincare expert and founder of Environ Skincare, on-hand to help you with any other skin concerns you may have. Reach out for a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve your best skin! Until next time, thank you for reading!

Hello, Warriors! How are you doing today? We here at The Breast Place hope you’re enjoying the long days of constant sunshine midsummer has to offer. Whether you’re at the beach with your family or basking in your backyard, remember to slather on a thick layer of your favorite sunscreen! 
 
Today, our aim is to impress upon each of our readers the importance of teaching your daughters how to perform a breast self-exam and how you might go about having such a conversation. We understand these sorts of things can be tricky. It’s our professional opinion: preparation is the pangea to anxiety in situations such as this one. Equipped with knowledge, you can answer any questions your daughter might have about why breast self-exams are necessary and how to perform one herself. This exchange doesn’t have to be awkward. In fact, we hope with the information in this article, both you and your daughter will walk away from the conversation feeling confident and empowered. 
 
On the Importance of Self-Examination
 
A breast self-exam (BSE) is, as the name suggests, a self-performed examination of one’s own chest area. The area underneath one’s armpits is also included in a self examination. 
 
Early Awareness
 
The chief benefit of self-exams are their potential to alert women to the presence of lumps and masses in their breasts which might be cancerous. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancer cases are first detected by women who felt a lump. Early awareness is a key factor in determining survival rates in cases involving non-metastatic invasive breast cancer. Sixty-three percent of women are diagnosed while the cancer is still contained within the breast and of these women, the five-year survival rate is ninety-nine percent. However, young women—ages 15 to 39—are less likely to be diagnosed within this early stage because regular breast cancer screenings don’t begin until age forty for most. 
 
The chance of women under forty developing breast cancer is only five percent. However minimal this risk factor may seem, it is still a risk. Therefore, teaching your daughters how to perform self-exams is vital. 
 
Knowing One’s Own Body
 
The secondary benefit of performing regular self-exams might be the more universal of the two. We all need to have at least a basic understanding of our bodies. Performing regular breast self-exams can help your daughter to become familiar with her own physicality. Doctors recommend young women conduct self-exams less for the chance they’ll find a cancerous mass and more to have a solid understanding of what’s “normal” for them. Only by having a baseline of what your breasts look and feel like can young people identify when something has changed. 
 
The Talk
 
Now, you’re ready to have “the talk.” You don’t necessarily have to plan out what you’re going to say. In fact, it’s better if you don’t! You don’t want anything to sound too scripted. This is a natural topic of conversation between you and your daughter. Therefore, it’s always better to keep things casual. 
 
            When and Where
 
As with any in-depth conversation, you want to choose your moment. On a broader scale, this comes down to when—in your daughter’s timeline of development—you choose to have this conversation. While some doctors don’t recommend starting breast exams until you’re at least twenty and fully developed, others recommend beginning self-exams as soon as puberty. In this aspect, you must gauge the maturity of your child. Will they participate in this sort of conversation or plug their ears and run away? If it’s the latter, you might want to wait until they’re a bit more mature to have this conversation. 
 
On a smaller scale, when to have this conversation depends on external factors. Environment. Time-of-day. Even whether or not your child has eaten. For the optimal retention of information, you’ll want to choose a day when your child is well-rested. Choose a private location for this conversation, as well. Though there’s nothing to be embarrassed about, no one wants an audience when they're talking about intimate parts of their bodies. 
 
            Do Your Research
 
Knowledge is your friend. Don’t go into the conversation unprepared. Chances are, your daughter will have questions about things. If you’re confused about certain aspects of the self-exam, you’ll only transfer your confusion onto her. Make sure you’re able to answer the most common questions. 
 
How often should I be performing a self-exam? Once a month. 
 
When should I perform the exam? At least a week after your last period. This allows any swelling of the breasts to lessen before the exam. 
 
Where should I perform an exam? Self-exams can be performed standing up or lying down. They’ll want to add in the assistance of a mirror (when standing) in order to visually inspect the breasts. Doctors no longer recommend performing self-exams in the shower. 
 
What should I be looking for? You’re looking for any lumps, bumps, hard masses, dimpling, discoloration, changes in texture, or discharge. 
 
What’s normal? Everyone’s body is different. Therefore, there is no basic definition for normal. You’ll have to develop your own definition after multiple self-exams. Uneven breasts aren’t necessarily an indication of something being wrong. Likewise, stretchmarks (lighter or darker toned striations where the skin has stretched) are no cause for concern. What you want to keep an eye out for is major differences between the breasts (i.e. deformations or dimpling) and other sudden changes in the feel and appearance of your breasts.
 
How do I perform a self-exam? 
 
            Demonstrate
 
This part of the conversation depends on your level of comfortability. You can either verbally explain what to do or physically demonstrate using hand motions or combine a mixture of both methods. You can also print out a self-exam guide on the National Breast Cancer organization website. 
 
Written Instructions
 
Standing Self-Exam
 
Stand in front of a mirror. With your arms by your side, visually assess your chest area. You’re looking for noticeable changes in contour, dimpling, discoloration or strange texture. Next, raise your arms above your head. Continue your visual examination. Next, place your arms on your hips and press to flex your pectoral muscles. Continue your visual examination, searching for major differences in the usual appearance of your breasts.
 
Lying Down Self-Exam
 
Lie down with a pillow placed under the shoulder of the breast you’re examining. Lift the arm on the side of the breast you’re examining until your bicep is beside your ear. Use the three middle fingers of your opposite hand (i.e. ring, middle, index) to make a flat surface. Using the flat surface of the pads of your fingers, palpate the entire breast area, including the armpit. You can use varying degrees of pressure. You can use an up-down motion, make circles, or radiate your palpitation outward from the nipple. Finally, squeeze each nipple to check for blood or discharge.
 
After the Talk
 
What happens after the talk is just as important as the actual conversation. At this point, your child will go off to process the information and perform a self-examination alone. Especially in the beginning, self-examinations can be the catalyst of worry. This next section will help you handle the emotions which might come up as a result of a self-exam.
 
Managing Fear
 
Self-exams shouldn’t be a source of anxiety. In fact, they’re a wonderful tool for assuaging anxiety. Self-exams cannot rule out the possibility of having breast cancer. To rule out any foreign masses, you or your child would need to have a mammogram performed by a doctor. However, self-exams give us a small amount of power in the knowledge they imbue. With an understanding of our own body and what’s “normal” for us, we’re equipped to notice when something goes awry. 
 
And, even when something does go awry, it’s not always a reason to panic. Eight out of ten lumps are not cancerous. They can be cysts or benign tumors or even just particularly dense sections of breast tissue. 
 
Self-exams take five to ten minutes and only need to be completed once a month. As women, we have a responsibility to ourselves to check in with our own bodies. This is how we manage our health. Fear is most often born out of a lack of knowledge. With regular self-exams, we’re collecting knowledge about ourselves and managing our fear.
 
Assuage and Anticipate
 
Even equipped with the proper knowledge and relevant statistics, self-exams can bring up a lot of guessing and wondering. In the weeks or months following your conversation, check-in with your daughter. Of course, gauge her willingness to continue the conversation first. You might ask her how she’s feeling about her self-exams. Does she have any questions? Even if you’re not able to answer her questions and concerns, you can both take a trip to the doctor’s office and learn about breast health together. 
 

 
Discussing your daughter’s health care concerns doesn’t have to be done alone. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help assuage any fears which might arise after beginning self-exams. That’s why The Breast Place offers consultations concerning breast pain, breast lumps or masses, abcesses and nipple discharge. Our physicians can show you and your daughter how to properly perform a self-exam and run family history risk assessments to see if you’re genetically predisposed to certain forms of breast cancer. 
 
If you or your daughter do encounter a lump, don’t panic. Instead, schedule an appointment as soon as you’re able. The Breast Place offers several breast imaging services, including: mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. Whether you have dense breast tissue or have had an abnormal mammogram, we can assist you in deciding what the next step in your healthcare journey should be and facilitate the necessary care. We’re here to help!

Good morning Warriors and welcome back to The Breast Place’s blog! We hope you’ve been recuperating these past few weeks and are up and at’em today! If you’re new here though, I’d like to take a moment to introduce ourselves. 
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We are The Breast Place; a team of individuals in Charleston, SC that aim to assist with treatment, management, and after care for health challenges men and women face such as breast cancer, body contouring, scar revisions, wrinkles, and general education. Breast cancer management and treatment is one of our more significant services, as you could probably tell from our name, but empowering women is our focus!

Since our team here specializes in both malignant and benign breast disease, we wanted to take some time to describe what breast cancer management and treatment looks like to the common person. Life is challenging alone, and when you throw breast cancer in the mix it can sometimes seem impossible- but don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’re here to listen and support you in your fight against breast cancer, every step of the way.

So, what are some common breast cancer management methods or breast cancer treatments? Well, breast cancer can be treated in many ways and it all comes down to what kind of cancer it is and how much it has spread to other areas in your body. Most times, people with breast cancer may get a combination of treatment methods to help them win the fight with this disease.
Common treatment options for breast cancer are:

1. Surgery
2. Chemo / chemotherapy
3. Hormonal therapy
4. Biological therapy
5. And Radiation therapy

Surgery is typically known as the simpler approach where doctors and surgeons cut out the cancerous tissue directly. Chemotherapy is most commonly associated with cancer treatments these days, but the way it works is by shrinking or killing cancer cells. This medicinal treatment can sometimes be pills or intravenously.  Hormone therapy essentially practices preventing the cancer cells from getting the hormones they would need to grow by blocking that off. Biological therapy empowers your immune system to fight the cancer cells more effectively, and can also be used to manage the side effects from other treatments listed. Last but not least, radiation therapy utilizes high-energy rays to kill the cancer cells over time.

Though these are the professional and medical treatments for breast cancer, what happens when the treatments are over and you go home? Breast cancer management is more than just your regular doctor’s appointment, there are things to take note and care of when those treatments are all said and done. These professional treatments may help send the cancer into remission or manage it well, but unpleasant side effects are not uncommon.

With any combination of the listed breast cancer treatments, your body is putting up a fight! It’s important to acknowledge that and take care of yourself as much as possible. Become the epitome of ‘self care’ during these times, and remember to be gentle with yourself. Some side effects you may experience after breast cancer treatments are fatigue, headaches, pain, menopausal symptoms, memory loss, and poor sleep. Give your body what it needs to heal itself and keep going by taking a look at this list of self care ideas and advice!

1. Be physically active. I’m sure the last thing you may feel like doing after a treatment is exercise, and that’s okay! Studies show that women with breast cancer who were regularly active diminished their fatigue and were more likely to keep their energy up! Daily walks, jogs, workouts, or yoga are great ways to work in that exercise time with consideration to your daily schedule and treatment plans. Be sure to check in with yourself and make sure you’re well enough to complete the exercise or activity first! If you have a low white blood cell count, fever, infection, anemia, or cancer within your bones, be very careful and wary of excessive exercise. Ask your doctor first.
2. Focus on eating well. A balanced diet can really do wonders for your body by giving it the proper nutrients and resources it needs to fuel you throughout the day! Be sure you are intaking enough calories and protein, eating or drinking your servings of fruits, and consider a multivitamin. It may be a good idea to work with a physical trainer or nutritionist that can help you navigate the changes your body may go through during your treatments too.
3. Get your beauty sleep! Dimming the lights, having a scheduled ‘no-tech’ time before bed, cooling down your room, and limiting the noise you experience before and during your rest will help you sleep more soundly overall. Studies have shown that the blue light emitted from cell phones and screens keep the brain active and awake, which can be counterproductive if you’re needing sleep! When your body has enough sleep, you will have enough energy the next day to function at your best! Make sleep a priority and you will see beneficial results for sure.

These tips may sound like your typical common sense health tips, right? Exercise, eat right, and sleep a lot. The truth of the matter, our beautiful warriors, is that that’s what has honestly been proven beneficial, healthy, and proactive in keeping your body and mind at its best! If you take the time to give your mind and body these things, you are absolutely sure to put your best foot forward in tackling the difficult days ahead. 

To take time and consideration for your mind, we recommend finding the best self care method for you! Self care is less about trendy behaviors and activities and more about what works best for you and your lifestyle. You may be an outdoorsy person where gardening, park trips, beach trips, hiking, picnics, or even just reading or drawing outside makes you happy. Or perhaps you’re an extroverted person who loves being around people! Concerts, public activities, fairs or festivals, networking, clubs, and friend/family gatherings would suit you well. Either way, your favorite hobbies are typically the best route to go when you’re needing self-care. Some of our favorite ways to indulge self care and resting your mind are spa days, massages, beach trips, and meditation! 

If these things are difficult or are becoming difficult, remember to be kind to yourself as you're going through treatments and aftercare. You are a warrior and part of what makes you strong in this fight is that you’re not alone- the support structure around you made up of your friends, family, and our team here at The Breast Place are here!
Keep going and take care, Warriors!

Hello, Warriors! How are you all doing out there? We hope you’re taking the time and care you need to heal, rest, and fight! Life is slowly returning to normal out there, but we all know that the concept of what our normal was has changed. Though more and more people are getting vaccinated and being aware of the ways our world was impacted by COVID-19, there are many out there who are more comfortable with wearing masks regularly. 
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For some it’s because of the realizations at how easy sickness can spread and for others it is the maintained concern of lingering exposures to COVID. Wearing masks consistently though can be very rough on your face and skin.

Wash your mask!
Our skins’ pores naturally release sweat and oils throughout the day to retain body temperature and a healthy system. Because of this, it’s recommended to wash your clothes regularly, and a common practice is to wear an outfit for a day and then wash. We all know the laundry drill, right?
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Well, with more and more people wearing cloth masks regularly, it stands to reason that we should be paying attention to that piece of clothing too! Regularly switching out and washing your cloth masks is our top recommendation when it comes to taking care of the skin on your face while wearing masks, but there are so many others we wanted to share with you today! Being mindful of the action of wearing your mask and how it affects your skin care is important as well in order to prevent damage to your skin or sickness! 

Chafing & Inflammation
Wearing face masks can do damage to your skin even when it’s clean!
If your mask is too tight for example, or if you wear it consistently throughout the day, the friction and chafing it can cause on your skin can be a lot like rug burn. The areas most at risk for this kind of discomfort are the areas behind your ears that typically ‘hold’ your mask back, and the bridge of your nose. Hospital workers and nurses have found solutions for some of this discomfort by using monkeys from the typical ‘Barrel of Monkeys’ kids toy to hold the straps against the back of their head instead of on their ears. If you try this and it works for you too, be sure to tag us or comment below! 

Skin Sensitivities
For those with skin sensitivities, residue from detergents and fabric softeners that linger on clothing and cloth masks can irritate your skin too! Skin irritation often looks like inflammation, redness, dry patches, peeling, or dark marks, and if you experience a pre-existing skin condition, like rosacea or dermatitis, inflammation can make it flare up. 

Acne (Maskne)
Acne is a common skin condition you may experience from time to time due to clogged pores from sweat, dirt, and hormone changes that can also be caused by consistent wearing of cloth masks. Remember that sweat and oil that naturally secretes from your skin? Even though you may wash your mask regularly or switch it out, it takes just one clogged pore to create a typically acne bump, and then picking at it can contribute to a full breakout. Your best defense to this? Keep your mask clean, take appropriate breaks from wearing one, and consider purchasing a tightly woven, 100% cotton mask that can be effective, yet gentle on your skin!

‘Maskne’, a term coined recently for the skin condition brought on by prolonged wear of masks and coverings, is medically named acne mechanica. 

Dermatologists Recommendations:
Dermatologists recommend the following steps to fighting maskne and taking better care of the skin on your face:

• Keep your face clean! 
  • Be sure to use a gentle cleanser and clean water to prevent dirt and oil from being trapped on your skin's surface. You should try to avoid putting your mask on if you’re sweaty or dirty. A good idea would be to keep a back-up mask in your car, purse, etc, so you can easily switch out when one becomes over-used. Some gyms are asking or recommending their members to wear masks during workout, or while alternating between equipment. If this is familiar to you, you know how dirty or gross your mask can become even after a short workout session! Limit the amount of time you wear your mask while doing strenuous activities, and be sure to wear a clean mask as often as possible.
• Use a lotion or moisturizer.
  • Keeping your skin hydrated and creating a barrier between your skin and your mask? Yes please! You know here at The Breast Place we are obsessed with skin care, and we’re more than ready to share with you our favorite products to fill this need! Everyone’s skin care requires different products- no two people are completely alike and your skin care routine may be unique to you and your needs. Some individuals have more dry skin, others oily, and for some a combination of the two in ‘patchy’ behavior. If you’re still seeking the perfect formulation for your skin type, stop by sometime and let us help! We also offer monthly specials that often involve our skin care product selections, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see our regular deals, or reach out to us today to learn which ones we have going on now or coming up! We’d love to see you and help make a difference in your skin care and wellness routine!
• Limit Makeup.
  • Limiting makeup is beneficial for regular mask wearers because makeup can directly clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. You’ve more than likely heard that sleeping in your makeup is terrible for your skin right? That’s because the longer your makeup sits on your skin, the more likely it will be to cause a reaction in some way. If you wear your mask on top of makeup, you can cause friction that quite literally presses the makeup into your pores; so we definitely recommend limiting your makeup look in the general mask area if you plan on wearing it throughout the day! Some people we know can’t part with their makeup routine but to be on the safe side they still wear their masks. The middle ground? Putting makeup on the upper portion of their faces instead of their whole face overall. This way, they can still experience feeling made up, with their eyeshadow, lashes, and brows the way they prefer, while still being comfortably safe. Have you tried this for yourself?
• Keep your mask clean and regularly wash it.
  • Do this to keep your mask from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria which can have an impact on your skin and your health! When you breathe, through your mouth or your nose, you exhale moisture. These small droplets normally scatter through the air, but when you wear a mask they don’t have much room to go anywhere other than that small encapsulated space. The trapped moisture could create a breeding ground for bacteria on your mask and slowly cause it to smell over time. If this sounds familiar to you too, go wash your mask and wear a replacement for the time being! You could essentially be breathing in mold and that’s not healthy for anyone!
• Choose fragrance-free laundry detergent.
  • Skip the fabric softener and the floral scents; your cloth mask is up close and personal and you don’t need the extra irritation! Most women know that scented products can cause irritation. Scented toilet paper, tampons, pantyliners, and for some, some brands of deodorant, can cause irritations or allergic reactions! Itching skin, feeling unwell, hives, and other typical symptoms of skin allergens make themselves known. 

It’s important to reference here as well that the skin on your face is so much more sensitive than the skin elsewhere on your body. Take a moment and compare the skin on your face to the skin on your hands or feet. Typically your hands or feet will be more well-worn with thicker skin, wrinkles, and calluses. Your face, though regularly exposed to the day, is typically gentler, more sensitive, and more likely to react to changes (such as wearing a mask). 

Have you noticed your skin being more irritated, sensitive, broken out, or stressed since wearing masks more often? We hope some of the tips and advice for skin care while wearing masks were helpful to you! Please feel free to share this blog with someone who may be experiencing skin issues or discomfort related to this topic, we’d love to help!

And if you’re ever on the lookout for the perfect skin care product for you, come visit us today or take a look at our products page here on our website for more information on the wonderful skin care brands we carry! We hope this blog has served you well, Warriors! Take care of your skin and wear your masks to help take care of yourself and others.

Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting, difficult, rewarding, and beautiful things you can experience. While many parts of your journey as a new mother will have their challenges, lactation can be one of the most difficult. Let us help you with The Breast Place's lactation services! 

Hello, Warriors! All of us at The Breast Place hope each of you is doing happy and well out there. We hope you also know that we are here to help and support you no matter what is happening in your life! We understand that life is challenging and we will always be here to listen, treat, and make your life more hopeful. We are so glad you've joined us today! To all of our returning warriors, thank you for your support and we hope you've found comfort, hope, and guidance in our blogs! To all of our new readers, welcome! Let us introduce ourselves a little more before we dive into today's topic about lactation! We are The Breast Place and we work hard to provide hope through wellness and beauty for women facing life's continued challenges. Our team specializes in both malignant and benign breast disease. As a team, we work together with you, educating, treating, and caring for you. We will also grow with you as you change, age, and survive offering self-confidence with scar revision and body contouring, and physical wellness. We offer skincare treatments like resurfacing and rejuvenation using the latest laser technology to address fine lines, wrinkles, and textural issues and antiaging products to keep your skin healthy and youthful. Injectables and IV therapies are available as well! 

A part of life's changes and processes that many of our warriors go through is becoming a mother, and one of the most common issues that so many go through is troubles with lactation. Here at The Breast Place, our providers are not only lactation specialists, they have first-hand knowledge of the difficulties of breastfeeding. If you are experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding including clogged ducts, mastitis, pain, nipple bleeding or cracking, or fungal infections, please feel free to contact us for a consultation, a latch evaluation, education, and support. Today, we are going to be talking a little bit more about lactation and the difficulties many face while breastfeeding, sharing a little insight on what can cause these issues, and how you can help improve them while waiting to come see us! 

The decision to breastfeed your child is a very personal one, and we are here to support and respect your choice. However, if you are wanting to breastfeed, that is today's topic of conversation and this blog is for you! Breastfeeding your child is incredibly healthy, providing them with all the essential vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients that your baby needs. However, it can take a minute for both mom and baby to get the hang of it. So please mamas, don't worry or fret if this journey hasn't been the easiest. It is very common and you are not alone in these struggles. 

Today, we are going to give you some insight on how to make this process a little easier and to avoid as many of these situations as possible. Thankfully with our guidance and what we are going to be talking about today, we can help both you and your baby get through any difficulties you face, together. While you may not experience every difficulty that we will be mentioning today, don't think that it will be a perfect ride, either. 

• Poor Latch - This can be one of the first hurdles that you and your baby will need to overcome. Latching is when your baby properly and comfortably latches onto your nipple to eat. To guarantee that the milk ducts in your areola are compressed to being the milk flow, your baby needs a good latch to encompass both the nipple and the areola. Not achieving a proper latch can lead to difficulties feeding and nipple pain. Other signs of poor latch can include chewing, a fussy baby, or your baby turning red out of frustration. Practice, getting your baby into the correct position, and trial and error can help improve latching dramatically! 

 

• Breast Engorgement - This is a very common problem with first-time mothers. Your breasts will continue to grow throughout your pregnancy, your milk will come in, and your breasts will grow hard a few days after giving birth. This is a result of your milk production being in full swing, leaving your breast extremely tender and getting used to the amount of milk your producing. Thankfully, this will only last a few days at most and will go away as you continue breastfeeding. Nursing frequently will help with the pain, massaging the breast while feeding will also help, along with wearing a well-fitted bra and switching up positions while feeding can all help with pain related to breast engorgement. 

 

• Cracked Nipples - This can be one of the many results of dry skin, thrush, not pumping correctly, or a very shallow latch from your baby. This might be a little frightening and uncomfortable, but this is a very common result of breastfeeding and is nothing to worry about! One of the best steps in avoiding this is to make sure your baby is in the right position to breastfeed to avoid a shallow latch. Check with your doctor before you move onto other treatment solutions, but make sure you clean your nipples at least twice a day, let some breast milk sit on the cracked nipples after feeding, use over the counter pain meds, cool gel pads, and nursing ointments can all help with cracked nipples. 

 

• Clogged Ducts - This can happen if you've gone longer than normal between feedings or if you're breasts are overly full, milk can get backed up into your ducts and clog them up. One sure way of knowing you have a clogged duct is if you have a hard lump on your breast and if it is sore to the touch and a little red. It can also happen if you're not pumping correctly, compressing your breasts while sleeping, or hitting the breast in the same spot over and over again. Make sure you're getting enough rest, apply warm compresses to the breasts, massage the breasts, and have the baby feed on the affected breast first when feeding begins. Each of these steps will help with your clogged ducts. 

 

• Leaking Breasts - These leaks can happen anywhere and anytime while your body is getting used to the whole feeding cycle and process, and as your body is amping up to supply as much milk as possible. This will usually happen and will last for the first two weeks of your baby's life while the supply of your milk matches up to demand. Nursing pads can help you through these first few weeks, and make sure to use cotton or disposable pads. We also recommend wearing darker clothing with no prints to help disguise any leaks and don't over pump. While you think this might help this situation, over-pumping will actually stimulate the breast to make even more milk. Once your body and baby are in sync, the leaking will begin to slow down and finally stop. 

 

• Mastitis - One of the more serious lactation and breastfeeding issues, mastitis is an infection of your breast tissue that can cause redness, fever, breast pain, and muscle pain. It is usually a result of a clogged duct and the breast milk gets infected from the bacteria from your baby's mouth. Antibiotics will most likely be prescribed by your doctor to make you feel better, along with using over-the-counter pain meds and applying warm compresses. You can continue breastfeeding and will most likely be encouraged to do so! 

 

• Thrush - This is a yeast infection that happens in your baby's mouth and can spread into your breasts. Signs of thrush include red, shiny, and flaky nipples, and also itching or deep shooting pain can also be signs of thrush. Both you and your baby will be prescribed an anti-fungal medication to take at the same time so you don't keep passing it back and forth to one another. You will need to keep your nipples clean, sanitize all pumping equipment, wash all of your bras, clothes, and nursing pads in hot water mixed with vinegar to kill any remaining yeast spores to also help the healing process along. 

These are just some of the common lactation and breastfeeding hurdles and issues many women deal with during their first or through every pregnancy. As we've stated before, you might experiences some or just one of these issues, but all of them are common and there are plenty of ways to deal with each issue to help comfort you and your baby. Each healing step is there to help make the breastfeeding process special and enjoyable for both you and your baby. We are here to help you with the whole process. You are not alone, and we are here for you and your baby when you need us most! Until next time, stay safe and be well out there. We understand life is challenging. We are here to listen, support, treat, and help make life a little easier. 

While October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, April is National Cancer Control Month. As we finish out this month and head closer to summer, we wanted to talk a little bit more about this month, its focus, and what you can do to help spread awareness! 

Hello readers, warriors, and friends! Welcome back to the Breast Place's blog! October, as you know, is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While we try to treat every month as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate, support, and spread as much information and awareness as we can, we still need your help and support to achieve our goals. While April might not solely focus on breast cancer, it is still one of the many forms of Cancer that are discussed and included in this month's awareness. Many of our new readers and those still adjusting to their diagnosis may also be new to the idea of National Cancer Control Month. What is cancer control? According to cancer.org, cancer control and the month of April helps bring awareness about and focus on reducing the number of individuals who get cancer, end up with complications from their diagnosis, and who die from it. "It uses approaches that have been tested through research to control the number of cancer cases as well as the effect of cancer". This month's whole goal of cancer control is to prevent cancer, reduce the risk of cancer, detect cancer sooner, improve all cancer treatments, help more people who are diagnosed with cancer survive, and improve the quality of life for those who have cancer. Another goal of cancer control is to help with the overall effects and burden cancer puts on your life and how it affects your community, your family, and you! 

April became National Cancer Control month in 1938. Declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, for over 83 years the month of April has been dedicated to raising awareness for all forms of cancer and to support its treatment and cure throughout the United States. Thanks to years of hard work and the push to better educate our citizens here in the US, the death toll from cancer did see a steady decline when National Cancer Control month was created. This education and awareness have been dedicated to teaching how to prevent certain cancers, how to recognize signs and symptoms, and how to find proper treatment. At the time that National Cancer Control was created, so many men and women didn't know what symptoms to look for and they didn't know who to turn to for help. While many would go to their local doctors, they weren't aware of many specialists that existed to help them prevent and recover from any cancer they might have been suffering from.

To this day, one of the most effective ways to help prevent almost all cancers or to catch them in their earliest stages is with screenings. The screening will help detect precancerous cells and provide early treatment to hopefully catch and eliminate the found cancer before it becomes any kind of serious problem. One of the most common and easy screened cancers is breast cancer, thanks to breast imaging like yearly mammograms for women ages 40 and older. 

The battle to fight for cancer in the US truly began as our country was also fighting in WWII. Thanks to President Roosevelt who viewed the diseases as deadly as the enemy we were fighting overseas, cancer awareness finally became a solid reality. While it is something that we are all very aware of now, this hasn't always been the case. While almost all Americans knew and paid close attention to the enemies we were fighting overseas during WWII, far fewer knew the dangers of cancer, and many didn't even realize how serious cancer was. Roosevelt changed this with his declaration of Cancer Control Month. At the time, according to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, cancer was claiming almost 150,000 American lives every year, many of these cases could have been stopped or prevented with regular checkups, care, and education. When Roosevelt declared April as National Cancer Control Month, he called upon the media, school, universities, medical professionals, and many more to help him with this endeavor. While this was a powerful campaign and has been since it began, cancer and its burdens are still affecting millions of Americans every year. Due to the continued rise of cases, the month of April has shifted its focus into five different categories. 

• Cancer prevention. According to the NFCR, 30-50% of all cancer cases can be preventable. This is done through awareness, reducing exposure to cancer risk factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and equipping people with the proper amount of information to protect themselves. 
• Early detection of cancer. This helps greatly increase the chance for successful cancer treatment. There are two main types of early detection, screening, and education. 
• Improving cancer treatments. This is a move geared towards recognizing that not all cancer can be prevented, but working towards making treatment as best as it can be to provide as much life as possible. 
• Increasing the survival rate of cancer. Researching treatments and cures for cancer remains a top priority to provide better and accurate ways of saving lives. 
• Improvise the quality of life for people who do have cancer. This is supporting individuals who have been diagnosed and their loved ones before, during, and after their diagnosis. 

This year, the president made a declaration to the nation regarding National Cancer Control Month, and along with the 83 years it has been around, this year is also the 50th anniversary of the National Cancer Act of 1971. This legislation pushed our nation to really commit to cancer research, established a network of cancer centers, advanced research, clinical trials, and data collection systems. Without this landmark legislation, many breakthroughs against cancer that have happened in recent years might not have occurred. He also made note that due to the pandemic, many disruptions were made to cancer care including routine screenings, therapy, diagnosis, and much more. With National Cancer Control Month on its way out and the covid-19 vaccine on its way in, please do not delay any future treatments, screening, or doctor visits. Now is the time to get back to how to control cancer so it doesn't control us. While we have made exceptional advances against cancer, there is still much to be done. If anything, national cancer control month does an excellent job of reminding us how much we've accomplished and how much farther we still need to go. 

While we all continue to do our part to educate and spread awareness throughout April and every single month throughout the year, this month can be a little overwhelming and make us all feel defeated. When this happens, the best thing to do is to focus on the positive, and focus on what we can do and not on what we still can't. This month is dedicated to uniting us all thanks to the power of knowledge. Help spread the word and get involved. If you can, donate to cancer research to help improve treatment and help with the survival rate. While you might not be able to financially give back and support, there are many free ways to give back and help. One way to do that is with a free cancer prevention and early detection kit from the NFCR. This kit includes tips and suggestions on how to lower your personal chances of getting cancer, information about the different types of cancer screenings available to you, and it comes in a downloadable form so you can share it with anyone and everyone to help spread awareness. While you're in this mindset, don't forget some of the most effective ways to prevent many different types of cancer, including breast cancer, can be achieved by making small changes in your life.

• Avoid tobacco products
• Practice safe sex
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Avoid UV exposure and wear sunscreen and other sun protection
• Remain physically active
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water!

Now that you know a little more about cancer control month, its power and its influence depend on people like you; those who are aware and want to share their knowledge, those dealing with all stages of diagnosis, and those who are loved ones of those going through a diagnosis. Keep talking, keep sharing, and keep giving back as much as you can! We are here to help you with all of this, so please never hesitate to reach out to us when you need us most! Don't forget, if you're looking for a women's imaging center near you, breast imaging, laser scar removal, and much more, you have found everything you need right here at The Breast Place. We are your leading professionals in Charleston to provide hope through wellness and beauty for women facing life's challenges. We specialize in malignant and benign breast disease and as a team, we work with you to educate, treat, and provide the best care we can. Until next time, stay safe and be well out there. We understand life is challenging. We are here to listen, support, treat, and help make life a little easier. 

The connection between a healthy lifestyle and healthy breasts is incredible. Not only can it help prevent breast cancer, but it can also help increase your odds of beating the disease and not letting it come back! 

Hello warriors, readers, and faithful friends! Spring is here and the taste of summer is right around the corner. We've all been getting out more and more as it becomes safer to do so and as the weather allows. There is nothing like a beautiful walk through downtown, on the beach, through one of our many state parks, or one of our many historical sites. The Lowcountry offers so much that it's just calling for us to get up and get out right now! It's also an incredible mecca for foodies and all-natural purveyors! You can find every kind of delicious meal prepared at one of our many fine dining locations or buy it fresh out of the ocean and right off the farm. Healthy lifestyle choices can help you enjoy the beautiful Lowcountry life, make you feel amazing, and it can help you prevent breast cancer, help you defeat it, and make sure it never comes back! 

Breast cancer is a reality we all face. While some have a genetically higher chance of getting it than others, this silent killer doesn't discriminate. It picks and chooses at will. For those who have had breast cancer and are fighting to make sure it never returns, this battle is a constant worry. While we fight to discover a cure, there are things you can do right now, small changes in your lifestyle, to make whatever battle you might be fighting more successful. It's a tough battle, one that we try to educate everyone we possibly can about. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, affecting more than one and a half million women every year, with more than three million breast cancer survivors in the US alone right now. With numbers like that, it's an overwhelming thought if there is anything we can do to help make a difference in this battle. While there is no cancer-preventing food or specific exercise, a healthy lifestyle and many factors that go along with it correlates with being able to lower your overall risk. Any chances you can take to lower your risk are worth considering and implementing, and we are here to help you with the rest! 

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight

While one's obesity and its link to breast cancer are not fully understood, according to the Cleveland clinic it's still important for women to maintain a healthy weight to reduce their risk of breast cancer. After menopause, the production of estrogen in fatty tissue can become a huge problem. Women who are above a healthy weight are exposed to more estrogen, which can lead to a higher chance of getting cancer. Obese women also tend to be more advanced in the disease when they are diagnosed, more likely to have cancer spread throughout their system, more likely to die from the disease and have a greater risk of the disease returning once they go into remission. Maintaining a healthy weight can help your fight against cancer, and it helps with optimizing your overall health as well. Also, keep these ideas in mind! 

• Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle throughout your entire life and not just when you begin menopause can help you put up a strong and consistent fight throughout your life. 
• A balanced food intake and consistent physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight. 
• Portion sizes, choosing healthy snacks and avoiding fried foods, sweets, refined sugars, and fats can help you maintain a healthy diet and weight. 

• Get Moving, Get Active

Right off the bat, according to the Cleveland Clinic, women who are physically fit are 25% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to women who are not active. Exercise will help boost and strengthen your natural immunity and your immune function which will, in turn, lower your obesity and help you maintain a healthy weight, and it will lower the levels of estrogen and insulin in your body as well. Staying active and exercising can also help you improve your body's bone mass, an issue that many women have when they've gone through endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments can cause bone fractures and osteoporosis, so maintaining that healthy bone density can help you stay healthy too. During your treatments and recovery, exercise can help with battling your fatigue symptoms, helps deal with stress, and can help you optimize your health over your entire life. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, the ten-year survival rate is much higher in those who exercise compared to those who do not. Also remember that exercise can help improve your mood, flexibility, endurance, and muscle strength. On those harder days during your treatments and after, your body can keep going and keep fighting when you keep exercise and activity in your routine. When it comes to the amount and what type of exercise you need, it's best to speak to your doctor about this and find out what they recommend and what is best for where you are in your journey at that moment. 

• Eating Well, Drinking Well, Living Well

As we've mentioned before, adding a balanced diet into your life and removing unhealthy processed foods can be a key element in fighting breast cancer. Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water is very important, along with limiting your alcohol intake. Start paying attention to what is exacting going into your body, read the labels before purchasing, and make smarter choices at the store. Note the calories, serving size, and the number of refined sugars and salts that are in your canned and processed foods. According to hopkinsmedicine.org, research has shown that diets high in fat and calories will lead to an increase in estrogen circulating in the blood, which can lead to breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy diet can also help in reducing the risk of your cancer coming back. A plant-based diet has been linked to helping to prevent cancer, and more women who eat this way tend to live longer than those who don't. Take these diet suggestions to heart: 

• Enjoy five to eight servings of fruits and vegetables every day. 
• Whole grains, beans, and lentils should be added to your meals every day. 
• Choose to eat organic foods when you can. 
• Increase your fiber intake. 
• Have at least 2-3 servings of fish every week. Increasing omega 3 fatty acids that are found in salmon and other fish are very beneficial to you. You can also find them in walnuts, soybeans, and pumpkin seeds. 
• Wash your produce thoroughly to prevent pesticide exposure. 
• Avoid eating trans fats and processed sugars
• Limit your red meat intake 

• Take Your Vitamins, You Won't Regret It

Vitamin D is one of the most important that a woman needs in her system to keep her healthy. There is a strong link connected to women who have low levels of vitamin D and for those in remission with lower levels of vitamin D to get cancer or for it to return. You can get plenty of vitamin D by getting 20 minutes of sunshine every day, but don't forget your sunscreen! If you're not able to get outside much, make sure to take a doctor-approved supplement to help with your vitamin D levels! Always have your Vitamin D levels checked too, to make sure you're getting enough and if you need to add anything to your system. 

• Continuing to Stay Healthy

On top of these four fantastic lifestyle changes that can help prevent breast cancer, and fighting against it returning, there are a few other ways to keep up and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep up your battle. 

• Limit your alcohol intake to one drink a day. 
• If you are prescribed endocrine therapies, make sure to take them as you've been told to do. 
• Even once you've beaten your cancer, that doesn't mean you stop your health screenings! Always continue with regular health screenings. 
• Reduce stress across every part of your life as much as you can! 
• Take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. 

There are some things about our bodies and our health that are out of our control. However, when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, our health is in our hands and we have the choice and the ability to care for ourselves. As health guru, fitness trainer, and ex-Rockette Amanda Kloots says "exercising is a privilege that we have every day. Getting up and moving our bodies is a gift." Let's celebrate that we are the incredible, powerful unique women that we are and that we can help our bodies fight against cancer with small daily changes and choices. We are here for you along the way, during your fight, and after. If you would like to begin or if you have any questions about our services including family history and genetic testing, survivorship, scar revision, body contouring, facial rejuvenation, laser hair removal, or lactation, please contact us today! Until next time, get up and get moving. You have another day to make healthy choices!