Pacer Pillowtalk: "Pinktober" and at-home breast exams
There are two kinds of breast exams that are important for women to be familiar with: clinical breast exams and at-home breast exams.
Clinical breast exams are typically performed by a family doctor or your OBGYN, sometimes as part of your regular gynecological exam. From the ages of 25-39 women should be getting a clinical exam once every 1-3 years. At age 40, this exam should be performed at least once a year, along with a mammogram every 1-2 years.
A clinical breast exam will allow your doctor to check for lumps on your breasts or other warning signs of breast cancer.
In a clinical breast exam, the patient will remove any clothing covering their breasts, and will receive a sheet to cover themselves with before the start of the exam. Doctors look to see if there is anything concerning about the shape or size of your breasts, and even the texture of your skin. They will also use their fingertips to feel your breasts and check for lumps. The doctor will check both breasts and nipples, and will also check your armpits. Depending on the clinic, you may get results the same day of the exam or within the next week. You may have to set up a follow-up appointment to get your results.
You don’t have to go alone to a breast exam; it’s okay to bring along a friend or family member for support.
The second type of breast exam is the self-exam which can be performed at home. It is recommended to do a self-exam once a month. There are five steps to an at-home breast exam.
Any changes or concerning lumps should be mentioned to your doctor immediately. Sometimes concerning lumps or changes will go away after your period ends, so be aware of this.
When checking your own breasts, this website is a good resource that lists the 12 symptoms of breast cancer that you should be looking out for.
October is well known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, or “Pinktober.” Pinktober has raised lots of awareness for breast cancer and has helped fund important research that has saved lives. However, there has been some discussion about how Breast Cancer Awareness Month sexualizes women – which can do more harm than good.
Many advertisements for Breast Cancer Awareness Month use “sexy” images of women that focus on their breasts; many slogans such as “save the tatas” and “save the boobies” focus on saving the breasts, rather than saving the actual lives of the women who are battling this deadly cancer.
This sexualized view of breast cancer could be the reason why Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the most well-known and celebrated cancer awareness months.
Likewise, many businesses sell pink products in October, claiming that a percentage of the cost will go to breast cancer research funds. However, tracking where this money goes can be very difficult; the cash you’re spending on pink products may not be doing much to really help those with breast cancer.
To combat these things, make sure you research organizations before giving them your money, and continue to spread awareness with more consideration of the ways in which this month and cause is sexualized.
