October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we say farewell to summer and welcome in the autumn season, we at extraterrestrial clothing inc. would like to shed light on an important issue. As much as we like to promote the latest fashion trends and break barriers in order to establish new ones, we dare not appeal only to the outer shell without dealing with the issues of the inner core. As October has swiftly rolled in so began our Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is simply the most common cancer among women to date. It is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissue of the breast. While only 10% of younger women are affected, breast cancer affects women of all ages, races, ethnicity, and backgrounds. About 253,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. This means that 1 in 8 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime and an estimated 40,000 women will lose their lives. Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and every 13 minutes a beautiful woman loses her life to this dreadful disease.

Although we understand the odds, we will not give up the fight because we know that there is always hope. To date, there are over 33 million living breast cancer survivors (F@$% CANCER). Primary prevention methods, increased awareness, and health interventions are on the rise and because of that countless numbers of lives have been saved and are still being saved.

Our everyday lifestyle habits and diet affect our bodies in multiple ways. Risk factors affecting breast cancer include genetics, environment, and lifestyle habits . Early detection is critical because although symptoms may arise, many women do not experience them. Contrarily, many women who are diagnosed also do not have a family history of breast cancer.

All women under 18 should do a monthly self exam and should at least get one annual breast exam (get those check ups ladies). Women over the age of 40 should get an annual mammogram or breast imaging done. This allows clinicians to keep track of any changes within the breast tissue. If a change is observed, then further measures can be taken.

Check out the pictures below:

So, what should you look out for when self examining?

Am I able to lower my risk of Breast Cancer?

Although there is not any definite way to prevent breast cancer, there are many risk factors that you may control to help decrease your risk.

Here are some ways below:

1) Maintain a healthy weight.

2) Be physically active- The CDC recommends at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity weekly for adults.

3) Limit or try to avoid alcohol intake.

4) Breastfeed- If you are expecting or nursing, breast feeding reduces your chance of developing breast cancer.

5) Get a good nights rest- Recent studies have shown that lack of sleep is a risk factor.

6) Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation.

What are the not so common facts about breast cancer?

Men are affected by breast cancer too! Only 1 % of men are affected by breast cancer within the United States. Men do not have as much breast tissue as women do; however they do have it. Men under 35 years of age are at lower risk for developing breast cancer. As age increases the chances of a man developing breast cancer also increases. Symptoms in men usually include a lump within the chest area.

All in all, education and early detection are the best ways to help prevent the development of breast cancer. This disease heavily affects our daughters, sisters, aunts, mothers, grandmothers, and closest friends. Please share our blog and help spread the word!

Also, check out our newly crafted apparel below, targeted specifically to raise awareness. Become a part of the movement and cop yours today!

Out of this world!

Extra Terrestrial Clothing