October always brings with it breast cancer awareness month.
One out of every eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. Cancer is prevalent in my family, so this is an issue that hits close to home. My grandfather died of cancer and my grandmother is a cancer survivor.
Unfortunately, cancer isn’t a battle of will. I have known brave, strong warriors who lost the battle and they weren’t less of fighters than those who survive.
If you’re a teenage girl, your chances of developing breast cancer are extremely rare. It’s also uncommon among women in their 20’s and 30’s. However, there are some things that you can do to be healthy now and reduce your risk for developing cancer or help someone you love reduce their risk.
- Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of cancer.
- Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent cancer. Try to get 60 active minutes a day and strength train at least twice a week.
- Don’t drink. The more alcohol you drink the greater your chance of developing breast cancer. It’s that simple.
- Don’t smoke. There is a strong link between smoking and cancer/breast cancer risk. Not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
- Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. This includes medical imaging. Only have such tests when absolutely necessary.
- Eat a clean, healthy diet. This may decrease your risk of some types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The best diet is similar to a Mediterranean diet focused on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Mediterranean diets also choose healthy fats, like olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat.
Lifestyle changes such as these have been shown in studies to decrease cancer risk even in high-risk women. Take care of yourself and encourage those over 40 to have a yearly check up and mammogram. Early detection saves lives!
Here are some great products that help benefit breast cancer awareness and research, so you can shop terrific products and support the cause at the same time.
KIEHL’S KISS FOR THE CURE BUTTERSTICK LIP TREATMENT DUO
100% of the net profits up to $25,000 of this silky hydrating lip balm will benefit Breast Cancer Research.
Kiehl’s, $32
BEAUTYBLENDER ORIGINAL BUBBLE
There’s not much better than a Beauty Blender for makeup application. For the entire month, 50% of the proceeds will support breast cancer patients through the Look Good Feel Better Foundation.
Beauty Blender, $20
BUMBLE AND BUMBLE PINK RIBBON BB. THICKENING SPRAY
This product is amazing. It seems like every hairdresser in New York uses this prep spray for photoshoots. Bumble and bumble is donating 20% of the profits from sales of its Pink Ribbon Thickening Spray to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Bumble and Bumble, $29
ATHELTA PINK POWER OF SHE BRA
Twelve percent of sales from this medium support bra will be donated to Recovery on Water (ROW), an organization and rowing team that empowers women with breast cancer to connect with other survivors and “become active in their recovery.”
Athleta, $54
VIONIC BEACH NOOSA TOE POST SANDAL
This is a limited-edition BCA line by Vionic, designed specifically to be super supportive on the arch. For every pair purchased in October, $5 will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Vionic, $40
S’WELL BOTTLE IN BIKINI PINK
This bikini colored S’Well is bright and cheerful and will surely encourage you to stay hydrated throughout the day. During the month of October, 20% of the purchase price for this color will go to the BCRF.
S’Well, $35
JANE IREDALE MAGIC MITT
All of the proceeds from this gentle, cleanser-free makeup removing micro-fiber cloth go towards Living Beyond Breast Cancer, a national breast cancer education and support organization.
Jane Iredale, $15
