#breastmyths

Test your knowledge!  Read the summary of our #breastmyths Twitter chat.

Myth or Fact:  Women with lumpy breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Myth! There is no increased risk BUT it may be harder to read mammogram results. Ultrasounds are usually recommended.

Myth or Fact:  If I feel a lump in my breast, it’s breast cancer.  Are all lumps in the breast cancer.
Myth!  There is some possibility; breast changes are common, and it is not guaranteed.  About 80% of breast lumps are not cancer-related. Always ask your doctor.

Myth or Fact:  A mammogram flatten my breasts.
Let’s clarify.  Your breasts will be temporarily pressed to make your results as clear as possible. After the exam, your breasts will return to their normal shape.

Myth or Fact:  Women with smaller breasts don’t have to worry as much about breast cancer.
Myth!  There is no evidence to support this. Women with small breasts should still get regular annual mammograms.

Myth or Fact:  Breast pain means I have breast cancer.
Breast pain MAY be a sign of breast cancer, but it does not guarantee it. Schedule an appointment to get it checked out.

Myth or Fact:  I should have my breasts examined once a year by my doctor or nurse?
Doctors and nurses can examine your breasts! A clinical breast exam (CBE) is a physical examination of your breasts that can be done by a doctor, nurse practitioner, nurse, or physician assistant every three years starting at age 20. Mammograms are annual screenings that involve a machine that captures images.

Myth or Fact:  Breast cancer always comes in the form of a lump.
A lump MAY be cancer, but NOT always. Swelling, skin irritation, or even underarm swelling can also be symptoms

If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments, email them to cbcc@georgetown.edu, tweet them, or message us on Facebook! The more women know about their breasts and their annual mammograms, the more they will practice health-promoting behaviors. Thank you for helping us get the word out!

#MyNourishedLife

Thanks to Dr. Dae for chatting with us on Twitter.  She gave us some great healthy lifestyle ideas!  In case you missed it, here’s a summary:

Q: Dr. Dae, what do you mean by “nourished life”?
A: To nourish, is “to provide (someone or something) with food and other things that are needed to live, be healthy, etc. What we need to be nourished more than food, it is to be loved, acknowledged and supported in our goals and dreams. Think of nourishment as the rich and luxury of life in small ways that lift our spirit, or make us smile.

Q: In terms of food, how do we nourish ourselves?
A: Nourishing foods support the health of your body and mind. For example, who doesn’t like watermelon in summer? Watermelon contains phytonutrients—plant-based chemicals that reduce heart disease, regulate blood sugars, help w/digestive health.

Nourishing foods can also be vegetables that our grammy made for us that bring back memories of our childhood like collard greens; great soups on a snowy day; a lovely piece of salmon or snapper; oatmeal; brown rice with veggies; or a handful of trail mix as a snack to last you until dinner.

Q: Before eating or cooking, how SHOULD we be thinking of food?
A: Food is fuel! It can be delicious and nutritious fuel too. There are benefits to finding healthy nourishing foods. A mentor @DrDavidKatz says love the foods that love you back! When you eat something that came from a seed you get all that energy. It’s a wholefood. When you eat an Oreo get nothing.

Rule of thumb: If you have to take Tums or digestive support before you eat something that is not a nourishing food for you. Think of food as the provider of your energy.

Nourishing foods reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of the healing process for us all, but when it happens every day (especially internally) it causes disease. Counter inflammation with a plant-based diet, reduce stress, get enough sleep and drink water.

Q: How do we make nourished time for ourselves?
A:  It is important to plan nourishing time. Give yourself 10 minutes a day or once a week. In 10 min. you can take a walk in nature, meditate, call a friend to say hello, read something, or dance to your favorite song. Meditation can be alone or in a group. It starts with deep breathing. Just start with taking 10 deep breaths.

Q: How can this “nourishing time” help me live better?
A: Think of the difference in your energy level when you are depleted versus when you are nourished. When we are nourished we feel more relaxed, less stressed, faster healing, more open to new possibilities. Nourishment is love. Loving ourselves creates more space to share love with others.

 

Twitter Highlights: Cervical Screening Chat

Our navigators, Brittney and Tanya, tweeted about cervical health and screening on January 23rd for Cervical Health Awareness Month.  If you missed it, here is a quick recap:

What is a Pap test?  How often should women get them?

A Pap test is used to detect ANY change in the cervix, including cancer.  Regular cervical screening means getting a Pap once every 3 years.  CBCC offers Pap tests to women who are eligible.

Why is screening important?

Cervical cancer is easily detected through screening.  Early detection may make it easier to treat.  However…

50% of cervical cancer cases occur among #women who are rarely, if ever, screened.

10%-20% of cervical cancer patients were screened but did not receive follow-up care.

What keeps women from getting screened?

Some women do not want to get screened because they fear the results.  An abnormal Pap doesn’t automatically mean cancer.  Inflammation, infection, growths, and hormonal changes are examples of common noncancerous cervical changes.

How do I prepare for a Pap?

• Do not use tampons or vaginal creams/deodorants.

• Avoid intercourse or douching.

• Schedule your Pap when you do not have your period.

How can women lower risk of cervical cancer?

• Do not smoke.

• Are you under 26?  Consider an HPV vaccine.

• Be selective. Don’t have multiple sexual partners.

• Leave plenty of room on your plate for veggies and some fruit.

What does HPV have to do with cervical cancer?

Did you know HPV puts you at risk for cervical cancer?  If you Pap test is unclear your doctor may want to schedule you for an HPV test.

Knowing What Is Normal For You

Do you know what your “normal” is? Know your body so you’ll know when something’s wrong. The goal is education that equips women to make informed decisions.