October is here and although the heat in San Diego persists the fall ushers in Breast Cancer Awareness month. From Joe Jonas dying his hair to making sure you know important facts about breast cancer, we will give you the 411 on Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020.
Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
Pink is the color that has been associated with breast cancer awareness since the early nineties. The Susan G. Komen foundation was using pink visors in 1990 and the editor of Self magazine, Alexandra Penney went with pink ribbons in promoting Self’s Breast Cancer awareness issue after being unable to secure permission to use peach.
I wonder if Joe Jonas, who recently dyed his hair pink in tribute to breast cancer awareness knew that he could have nearly been sporting a peach “fuzz”. His recently blond hair was revealed to be hot pink on Instagram and his fans love it!
With a new baby daughter, a loving wife Joe Jonas must be embracing his feminine side and supporting a great cause.
What you need to know about Breast Cancer
This is the month to get educated. At Restore SD Plastic Surgery we break down the facts that matter to you.
Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. That means that each year 250,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. And every year over 40,000 women die of breast cancer. That is why early detection is so important.
Early detection saves lives!
Mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early. Most women with an average risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every year starting at age forty-five. If you have risk factors like a strong family history of breast cancer you should talk with your primary care physician about when you should start having mammograms.
You know your breasts the best – so self-exam is important. You should let your doctor know of any changes in your breasts.
Possible Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
- A new lump or swelling in the breast or underarm.
- Breast skin dimpling
- Nipple retraction
Do you have a symptom? Make an appointment to see your doctor right away.
Do not forget to stay healthy – that is the easiest way to lower your breast cancer risk?
Do’s and Don’ts of Breast Cancer (How to reduce your risk):
- Do not smoke!
- Keep a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Limit alcohol intake
Breast Reconstruction Options
- Implant based reconstruction
- Tissue based reconstruction
- A combination of implants and tissue
Implant-based reconstruction uses an expander (a slowly inflatable implant) to restore volume to the breast after mastectomy. Once the breast reconstruction is at the right size it can be exchanged for a permanent implant. This is the most common kind of reconstruction performed in the United States. Some patients are a candidate for a “direct to implant” reconstruction – an implant is placed at the time of mastectomy and there is no second surgery to change the expander for an implant.
Tissue-based reconstruction uses your own tissue to recreate the breast. Most commonly the tissue from the abdomen is used. In some cases, using a combination of an implant and tissue is needed. Consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine what is the best treatment plan.
October is the time to learn about breast cancer and the small changes you can make to lower your risk. By taking care of yourself and helping to spread the word this month, we can all go from Surviving to Thriving!
Have breast questions?Reach out to the Restore SD Plastic Surgery team to schedule your consultation.
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