October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Smile and Think Pink!

Choose pink and smile! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And although we typically focus on orthodontic treatment, we wanted to take a moment to raise awareness for this important cause.

Breast cancer is a serious health condition that affects women of all ages. And while it primarily affects those over the age of 50, it can occur at any age. With early detection being key to successful treatment, all women must be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

In this article, we’re going to discuss common signs and symptoms for you to be on the lookout for. We’ll also touch on some of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Plus, we’ll provide suggestions for how you can celebrate breast cancer awareness month with orthodontics.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are a few different signs and symptoms of breast cancer that you should be aware of.

These include:

• A lump or mass in the breast
• Pain and swelling
• Skin redness or flakiness
• Swelling in the armpit

If you notice any of these changes in your body, see a doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is key to effective action, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment if you’re concerned about any of these changes.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

A few factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Common risk factors include:

• Age – The risk of breast cancer goes up as you age.
• Family history – If you have a family member who has had breast cancer, your risk is higher.
• Personal history – If you’ve had breast cancer before, your risk is higher.
• Alcohol use – Drinking alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer
• Hormone use – Taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills increases your risk of breast cancer.

Staying aware of these risk factors and being proactive about breast health is important for all women, regardless of age.

Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month Today by Showing Pink when you Smile

If you want to support someone in your life with breast cancer, October is a great month to do so.

Here are a few ideas for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

• Wear pink – Use colored rubber bands or elastics to turn your braces pink for the month. You can also get pink Invisalign™ Stickables if you don’t have braces.
• Make donations – Donate to a breast cancer research or support organization in honor of someone you know.
• Spread the word – Use social media to raise awareness about breast cancer and its signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous ways to show your support and bring awareness to this serious issue. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist if you want your smile to support a great cause.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting and celebrating this important cause this October. At Dr. Yazji’s office, we support many causes throughout the year. And we are proud to offer our patients a way to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Contact us today to learn more about how you can participate.