I was 22 years old and pregnant with my first child when my mom was diagnosed with early breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. At the time, I was so wrapped up in my upcoming baby, my life and where things were for me that the impact of the diagnosis didn’t really hit me. I mean, yes, I was shocked and heartbroken for my mom. But the truth was, my mom has always been such a strong person that she hid even from me how serious the situation was. She played it off almost just like another procedure. Even when there were complications that led her on a high speed trip back to the hospital as her chest filled with blood, she was calmly calling me to ask how everything was going and how the baby was doing. Her actions, at the time, led me to think that what she was going through was just another day, just another diagnosis. It’s only been as I have gotten older and she and I have began to share more of the “real moments” in our lives that I’ve realized how different that entire situation could have gone. Had there been a different outcome or a littler later diagnosis, I might not have my mom here today. Now, over fifteen years since her diagnosis, I’ve seen friend after friend, woman after woman, receive the same diagnosis. I’ve watched as people I know battle and win and I’ve grieved as those I know and do not know lose the battle. I’ve received my own news that I tested positive for the BRCA gene and just recently, my mom got tested for the same gene all these years later. Through it all, it’s become more than apparent to me that breast cancer is on the rise. While I will admit that in some ways this makes me fearful, in other ways it makes me want to be proactive and do everything within my power to not only ensure that my mom and I are doing everything we can to make our health a priority but also to spread the word to other mothers and daughters and tell them that together, they can take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m very fortunate to have two amazingly strong women in my life….my mom and my grandma. While I may not have much left in the way of family members, these two women can move mountains. So, it only made sense that together we would make it our mission to help ensure breast cancer is not a tradition in our family. Together, we began to learn what we can do to help reduce the risk of breast cancer and while genetics do play a role that can’t be changed, we found out that there are everyday changes we can make to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Along with these discoveries, we found an amazing free resources from the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program that I’m so excited to share with you. Scientists, physicians, and community partners in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), study the effects of environmental exposures on breast cancer risk later in life. They created a mother-daughter toolkit that mothers can use to talk to daughters about steps to take together to reduce risk.
This toolkit has wonderful suggestions that can be passed on from generation to generation to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. It’s an easy way that all of us as women can do something to make a difference and to ensure that there are more survivals, more victories, less breast cancer and more birthdays! For me, being made more aware of everyday choices that impact my breast cancer risk was kind of eye-opening. Little changes that I really hadn’t thought about like choosing fragrance-free products when possible and paying attention to the chemicals in my deodorant were easy for me to make and were a good way to reinforce my decision to live the best life possible in hopes of remaining breast cancer free.
While I don’t have daughters of my own to share these tips with, even making changes at my age with my own mom can make a difference in my risk for developing breast cancer. Whether you’re a mom, a sister or a friend, I encourage you to take a look at this information and see what changes you can make in your life today to ensure that there are more generations of moms, grandmas and daughters to enjoy life together!
But now, you can do even more! October is breast cancer awareness month so help make a difference by taking a few minutes to complete this survey on breast cancer. Your answers could be used by researchers to continue their important work in the fight to reduce breast cancer risks! Then be sure to talk to your mom, daughter, sister and more and share this important information that could make a life-changing difference!
Tell me, have you or someone you know been impacted by breast cancer and what are you doing to lower your risks?
I have a family history of it (my grandmother is a survivor), so I try to be extra cautious. Breast cancer is a horrible disease that we NEED to get rid of once and for all.
This is such important information! Breast cancer is a vicious disease, and we need to do everything we can to protect ourselves.
I am so glad this is talked about more. It’s such an important topic. I’m lucky that this hasn’t impacted my family, but that doesn’t mean it never will. I’ll have to take the survey.
Great tips! I had no idea that BPA was a contributing factor to breast cancer - yikes! I’ll be sure to watch that!
Breast cancer is so prevalent these days. There are so many people affected by it every day. I think most of us know someone who has been hit with this disease.
Getting tested and proactive is always my choice. Feel like I am not blindsided and can start doing something to help myself. Having strong women in your lives as examples is always helpful.
Besides knowing your family history and mammograms are important but sharing stories like these is one of the best ways to educate ourselves about breast cancer. I share stories of BCWs (Breast Cancer Warriors) I know. Each has a different experience but through sharing their stories I hope others will realize what each of us can do to minimize our risks.
I had no idea that some of these things reduced your risk of breast cancer, I will definitely have to try and reduce my use of these things, as well as trying to be as healthy as possible.
What an amazing mom you have to not let on how hard her battle was so you could focus on you and your baby. These are wonderful tips.
I have been thinking of getting tested for the BRCA gene. This is a great toolkit for Mothers and Daughters. It is so important to talk about the risks in your family.
Great tips and info. I will be passing this on for sure. Thank you.
I swapped to all natural deodorant maybe 2 years ago or so. I also try not to use underwire bras and do not use perfumed paraben lotions. I am so glad your mom caught it!!
Thanks for shining light on this. I have had a scare and have had many loved ones who have battled and conquered breast cancer. I am grateful for posts like this to remind folks to reduce risks in many ways.
Getting in those mother-daughter talks about breast cancer is such a good idea. Passing along this kind of information can save lives!
Breast cancer can definitely come as a shock to anyone that is diagnosed with it. These are some great tips!
I have recently been paying close attention to the BPA for sure. I wasn’t aware of the others you listed and am thankful for you sharing!
We have a family history of breast cancer (father side). This is really important and helpful. Must share this.
I never knew about the triangular #3 and #7. Now that I am aware I will not buy these products.
Such a great post and super important. Early detection and monthly checks are super important!
An active, healthy lifestyle is so important. It can really help reduce a lot of risks for illnesses.
I took the survey thanks for taking the time to share and create awareness. Great tips!
My mom also had breast cancer and she is recovering now. It’s really important to be aware on things avoid and reduce as well as having regular check ups
I definitely try to incorporate as many fresh fruits and veggies into my diet as possible. I love them and I love including them in smoothies! But thank you for the other information, I definitely try to avoid anything that’s unhealthy/unsafe!
Breast cancer is such a scary thing, even though it can be treated people can still die from it. I think everyone should look at these and try to implement them in their lives.
Thank you so much for these tips. It’s great to know how we can reduce our risk of breast cancer. Thanks for sharing this!
I know lots of people who have been affected by Breast Cancer but I do have a history of other cancers in my family. I can’t imagine going through that personally.
What a great photo of you guys together!
We try to live as healthy of a lifestyle as possible and avoid chemicals. I became a big label reader when my daughter was born and I hope it makes a big difference.
Thanks for the great tips. It’s scary how many people are affected by breast cancer these days, it seems like it’s a bigger and bigger issue.
All amazing tips to keep in mind! I breastfeed and have for many years now which I hear from many is really great for breast cancer prevention. Anything we can do to help prevent!
Being aware of something that affects so many people is so important! I love that you are bringing awareness to such an important cause, especially this month.
I need to be better about exercise lately, but I have been struggling with injuries. My aunt was diagnosed in her early 30s and that side of my family is jewish so I had gene testing done. I also have annual mammograms and even an MRI every few years since I am in a higher risk category. Way to get the word out on what we can all do to reduce our risk!
I have a lot of cancer in my family so I work really hard to reduce my risk. These are all wonderful suggestions!