Breast cancer: permission to touch yourself!

[Giveaway in the end of the post] There are so many awareness campaigns these days, it’s become easy to ignore them. I wouldn’t have registered that we are amidst Breast Cancer Awareness Month had an uncomfortable feeling in my breast not sent me running to our local hospital for a check-up.

Some sobering facts:

• Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cancer worldwide after lung cancer.
• Rate of survival after five years is lower in Asia (Malaysian Average 49%) than in North America and Europe. (USA 89%)

I lost a friend nearly two years ago now. I am still haunted by the last time we sat together, our young daughters playing at our feet, as we munched on toast discussing the future as if there was a certain future to have. Nothing is written in stone but there is no reason to ignore a simple check to up your odds of hanging around as long as possible. This is an informative video on how to check your breasts.

Photo: Canadian Breast Caner Foundation

I’ve found I get tense when I try to do a formal check and start questioning every lump and bump. The doctor who performed my ultrasound explained to me how women should, in fact, massage their breasts regularly to help the lymph flush through your breasts, which unlike the rest of your body, don’t have any muscle to move them around as you go about your day.

I’ve been doing this on a daily basis. Without the formal “check” in mind, I’ve used a bit of coconut oil every evening before going to bed. I’ve realised that not only is it relaxing, but that I am also getting to know my breasts throughout their monthly cycle and will likely be better able to detect differences.

Breast cancer month

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There is no better time to start taking care of your lovelies! There are activities planned around the city. Additionally, our local hospital in KL is offering special deals on Breast Health Checks. I imagine this may be the case around the city.

Amazin’ Graze, my favourite local granola makers,  have launched a new flavour in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink Raspberry Granola! They have beautiful gift jars and packs available and will make a donation with each purchase (MYR 5 for the jar, and MYR 1 for the pack).

Click here for more info on their campaign and orders. Amazin’ Graze has also generously offered four gift packs to be won by our readers! Please leave a comment to this post by Friday 28th October if you want to have a chance to be the lucky winner of some yummy granola – winners be selected randomly and notified by the end of the week. Valid in the Klang valley.

So remember ladies: Feel Thyself Up regularly! Do it for you and do it for your loved ones.

For more on Breast Cancer research: here

For more on Breast Cancer Awareness and to participate in fundraising activities: read here

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