Women's Health Tips for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Beyond

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an important event for Brighton. Since 2003, Brighton has donated more than $7 million to 300+ non-profit organizations that facilitate breast cancer support and research initiatives.

Our Power of Pink events not only empower breast cancer survivors, but they also help raise funds that will directly benefit individuals who are fighting the disease. These events include survivor makeovers, fashion shows, presentations, and more.

Our commitment to this cause over the past 20 years has helped create greater hope for a cure. But in addition to that, we're also proponents of breast cancer prevention and early detection, and we'd love for all women to take proactive steps to protect their health and well-being. Continue reading this blog post to discover how you can engage in some potentially life-saving self care.

PREVENTION

Unfortunately, there's no surefire way for anyone to prevent breast cancer, which is why it's so important that we find a cure. According to the American Cancer Association, "About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes (mutations) passed on from a parent." Race and ethnicity, height, dense breast tissue, certain benign breast conditions, and other factors can all put someone at greater risk for developing breast cancer.

However, there are some things that women can do to lower their risk of developing breast cancer, especially if they don't already have some of the highest risk factors.

Eating nutrient-dense foods, especially leaf green vegetables, berries, and whole grains are all crucial elements of a healthy, well-balanced diet. In addition, avoiding certain foods or eating them infrequently is very important. Dairy products, processed meats, refined carbohydrates and sugars, salt-cured foods, and red meat should all be limited and consumed mindfully.

Many doctors recommend eating a "Mediterranean diet", which is centered around the consumption of whole foods from plant-based sources: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet also choose healthy fats.

Maintaining a healthy weight for your body type and exercising regularly are two other things you can do to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. If you need to lose weight, then talk to your doctor about strategies for sustainable weight loss. When it comes to exercise, which can help you maintain a healthy weight, most adults should aim for at least 150 minutes/week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes/week of vigorous aerobic activity. In addition, you should engage in strength training at least twice per week.

EARLY DETECTION

Thankfully, when caught early, survival rates for breast cancer are the highest they've ever been. The average five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is more than 91%. According to the American Cancer Society, "Early detection means finding and diagnosing a disease earlier than if you’d waited for symptoms to start."

Early detection involves being proactive with breast cancer screenings. One form of screening is called a mammogram, which is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. Research shows that women who have regular mammograms are likely to get an early diagnosis and less likely to require aggressive treatments.

For women with an average risk of developing breast cancer, the mammogram guidelines are as follows:

• Women between the ages of 40 and 44 have the option to start screening with a mammogram annually
• Women ages 45 to 54 are advised to get mammograms annually.
• Women 55 and older can switch to a mammogram every other year, or they can choose to continue annual mammograms.

HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE

Are you interested in participating in this year's Power of Pink efforts? Designer Onofre Casas created the new Power of Pink bracelet to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for those touched by cancer. Pink enameled stars and hearts grace the front of this timeless "love" charm, which you'll feel proud to wear everyday. For every bracelet purchased, $10 will be donated to breast cancer charities.

The following bracelets also support breast cancer awareness and research, with proceeds from each one donated to the cause:

Power of Pink Woodstock Bracelet - The hot shade of pink on this sleek leather Woodstock Power of Pink bracelet symbolizes our passion for helping end breast cancer.

 

Dancing Hearts Woodstock Bracelet - Designed and printed in Los Angeles, this limited edition leather bracelet features an enameled ribbon charm.

 

Power of Pink Pearl Necklace - This delicate charm necklace has a trio of charms to delight you - a heart inscribed with love, a pearly tassel and the pink ribbon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness.

Pink Ribbon Charm - Show your support for breast cancer awareness and the fight for a cure when you wear this pink ribbon charm.

Please follow us on Instagram @brightoncollectibles and tag us using the hashtag #brightongivesback on your photos and videos of Power of Pink products.