Breasts have a reputation for being of more interest to men than the women who own them (!) But it’s empowering to know how to look after your breasts, from learnign the benefits of breastfeeding babies to how to choose a good bra and help prevent breast cancer.
Around 80% of women apparently wear the wrong bra size (if you breathe a sigh of relief on removing it, you’re wearing the wrong size). Go to a store to get yourself measured then invest in a couple of organic cotton bras online (the Very Good Bra is made from organic cotton, in 27 sizes using their unique chart). Some women choose not to wear a bra for comfort (others have to wear support to avoid backache). But everyone should go without a bra some of the time, to let skin rest and sweat.
Sagging breasts can often be reversed by exercising the muscles underneath to ‘sit better’ (breasts are just fat). Keeping breasts ‘perky’ is more to do with age, genetics and exercise, than whether or not you wear a bra. Yoga is one good way (Sun Salutations can help tone breasts and reduce weight, if your breasts feel too big and heavy). Bow and Cobra are also good to strengthen muscles under your breasts, and yoga can also help you relax, so you give up addictive substances (alcohol, smoking, junk food) which can negatively affect breast health. If you are pregnant or have a medical condition, practice with a qualified yoga teacher to know poses (like those above) to avoid.
How to Help Prevent Breast Cancer
How to Prevent Symptoms of breast cancer (for men or women) are a hard painless lump that does not move around, nipples turning inwards or oozing fluid (perhaps with blood or a sore or rash), surrounding skin being hard, red or swollen, and small bumps in the armpit. If you see these, get things checked immediately with your GP. The main risk factors are age, genetics, previous diagnosis (including benign lumps), alcohol and being tall/overweight. The best four preventive measures are being a healthy weight, regular exercise, no (or very little) alcohol and low intake of saturated fats (animal foods, palm & coconut oil).
Check your breasts monthly (a few days after your period if still menstruating). Get to know that many breasts have ‘lumpy parts’ or may feel softer, so know what’s normal to you, so you don’t panic. Feel each breast and armipit to your collarbone (easier in the shower with soapy hands). Then look at your breasts in the mirror with arms raised, then by your side. Pain is a rare symptom, but get it checked. Although oncologists are not fans of ‘breast gloves’ that claim to detect lumps easier, Glooma breast detection glove is a new invention (by an engineer) that detects abnormalities in tissue after a 3-minute exam, then the app says if you should see a doctor. It does not replace a medical diagnosis.
Rather than give money to animal-testing cancer charities, donate to humane medical research charities (finding cures, without using innocent animals). Also buy organic beauty products from indie stores (the companies that promote ‘Pink Ribbon’ campaigns often use cancer-causing chemicals in the products they sell. The ribbon is pink, because they could not legally use the original peach ribbon (created by a cancer patient in the US) as she did not want her call for investment in preventive medicine to be hijacked by corporate industry.
