Every October, pink ribbons seem to appear everywhere. But for so many of us, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is much more personal than a color or a campaign.
Over the years at Muse, we’ve had the privilege of knowing and caring for women who have faced breast cancer themselves, supported someone they love through it, or carried the weight of a family history that makes this month hit a little closer to home.
Our salon is a place for hair, but it’s also a place where life happens. We celebrate engagements, new babies, birthdays and fresh starts in our chairs. We hear about the hard things, too. That’s why this month, we wanted to use our little corner of the world for a reminder that really matters: know your normal, know your risk, and don’t put off taking care of yourself.
Know What’s Normal for You
There isn’t one “normal” when it comes to breasts. What matters is becoming familiar with how yours typically look and feel so you’re more likely to notice when something changes.
A new lump is probably the symptom most people associate with breast cancer, but it isn’t the only change worth paying attention to. Changes in breast size or shape, swelling, skin dimpling or irritation, nipple changes or discharge, and persistent breast or nipple pain can all be reasons to talk with your healthcare provider.
And importantly, some people with breast cancer have no noticeable symptoms at all—which is one reason screening matters.
Don’t Wait for a Lump
Mammograms can sometimes detect breast cancer before it can be felt or begins causing symptoms.
Screening recommendations can vary based on age, personal history, family history and other risk factors. For women at average risk, current recommendations generally begin mammography around age 40, although organizations differ somewhat on how often screening should occur.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer, a known genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, or other factors that may put you at higher risk, your screening plan may look different and may begin earlier.
The best question isn’t necessarily, “Am I old enough for a mammogram?”
It’s: “What screening schedule is right for me?”
That’s a conversation worth having with your healthcare provider.
Know Your Family History
If breast cancer runs in your family, tell your healthcare provider—even if you’re young and healthy.
Knowing which relatives were diagnosed and approximately how old they were at diagnosis can help your provider better understand your individual risk and determine whether additional risk assessment, genetic counseling, or earlier or different screening may be appropriate.
Family medical history can be uncomfortable to talk about, but it is information worth knowing and sharing.
Speak Up When Something Feels Different
Most breast changes and breast lumps are not cancer. Bodies change for plenty of reasons.
But a new or unusual change deserves attention.
You know your body better than anyone else does. If something looks different, feels different, or simply concerns you, make the appointment and talk about it. You do not need to wait until something becomes severe before asking a question.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Women are often very good at making sure everyone else is taken care of.
We remember appointments for our children. We check on our parents. We show up for our friends. We rearrange schedules, make the phone calls and keep everything moving.
This October, consider this your reminder to put your own name somewhere on that list.
Schedule the appointment you’ve been putting off. Ask about your family history. Learn what’s normal for your body. Talk to your healthcare provider about when screening should begin for you.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month can absolutely be about wearing pink and showing support. But we hope it can also be about something that lasts longer than October: paying attention to your body and encouraging the women you love to do the same.
To every member of the Muse family who has been affected by breast cancer—whether personally or through someone you love—we’re thinking of you this month.
With love,
Muse Salon