The Skin Nerd: The facts and myths about breast cancer
The Skin Nerd: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we focus on raising awareness of the disease, but of course, it is important to remember that breast cancer is a year-round concern. Breast cancer is very common, with 1 in 7 women and 1 in 728 men diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when we focus on raising awareness of the disease, but, of course, breast cancer is a year-round concern.
It is common: One in seven women and one in 728 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Approximately 3,700 new cases of the disease are diagnosed each year, meaning that regularly examining your breasts is one of the most important things that you can do.
Unfortunately, a study by Breast Cancer Now revealed that two in five UK women do not check their breasts regularly.
It is one of the most common types of cancer in Ireland, so it is vital to make time each month to examine your breasts. Getting to know what is normal and what is not normal for you is crucial when it comes to early detection, which is key to survival.
Self-examination can cause anxiety, so if you are worried about how to correctly examine yourself head to Breast Cancer Ireland, where there are how-to videos on the best way to check your breasts.
Make sure that you book an appointment with your GP if you spot anything unusual or anything that worries you.
Being aware also includes becoming clued up on the facts about breast cancer, and so, today, we are clearing up some myths and bringing you important facts to help you to make informed decisions when checking your boobs.
According to Breast Cancer Ireland, 23% of women are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years; 34% of women are diagnosed between the ages of 51 and 69 years; and 43% of women are diagnosed over the age of 70 years.
This isn’t always the case. Research has shown that breast-cancer risk can be affected by family history, but only 5%-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary.
Not true: Healthy living makes a difference. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity and smoking, can affect your risk of breast cancer.
To lower your risk, you should eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoid smoking, get regular exercise, and limit alcohol consumption.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) mimic oestrogen and have been linked to increased breast cancer risk.
As more evidence emerges regarding the health implications of these synthetic chemicals, some organisations, such as Breast Cancer UK, urge us to adopt a precautionary approach to their use.
EDCs can be found in several personal-care and cosmetics products, including hairspray, antiperspirant, sunscreens, and nail polish.
To reduce this risk, you can avoid products that contain butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), formaldehyde, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, parabens (methyl, propyl, butyl or ethyl paraben) and UV filters (ethylhexyl salicylate, benzophenone).
This list is not exhaustive, so, for more information, please go to breastcancerprevention.org.uk.
Thanks to increasing awareness and breast screening, the survival rate is increasing, while mortality rates are reducing by 2% annually.
Although studies are still in their infancy, topical retinoids have actually been found to help prevent breast cancer.
Preliminary results suggest that the retinoid 4-HPR may suppress breast cancer development in premenopausal women.
This low-cost option feels like a luxurious treat for dry, sensitised skin. Formulated with prebiotic colloidal oatmeal and probiotic Greek yogurt, this rich cream helps to soothe dry patches and leaves the skin comfortable and hydrated.
It is a joy to apply and has been clinically proven to moisturise normal-to-dry skin for up to 48 hours.
Inspired by an invigorating dip in the ocean. Body Drench is a refreshing and ultra-hydrating drink for even the thirstiest of skins.
Containing 5% Squalane, this light, textured body lotion is a multi-tasking delight! It hydrates, reduces the signs of ageing, improves skin texture, increases skin elasticity, and promotes barrier repair.
It has the ability to bind water and reduce TEWL, plus, clinical studies have shown it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for use on sensitive or inflamed skin.
