NoBraDay : Save Your Breast Today!

It's October 13; you and I are going to let our nipples breathe - don't wear a bra today.

October 13 is designated #NoBraDay , a day to ditch your bra and raise awareness about breast cancer. Breast cancer previously believed to be a problem of developed countries is fast becoming a major plague in developing countried. A WHO 2016 report states that almost 50% of breast cancer cases and 58% of deaths occur in less developed countries.

There are several risk factors attached to breast cancer, although for the majority of women presenting with breast cancer it is not possible to identify specific risk factors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC has identified some major risk factors that predispose women to breast cancer. Some of the risk factors include:

1. Age - The older a woman gets, the greater her chances of developing breast cancer. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

2. Genetics - Sometimes cancer is in the gene. Women with family members who have been diagnosed of breast cancer are at a higher risk of having the cancer.

3. Early menstruation - Women who start their periods before age 12 are exposed to hormones longer thereby increases their chances of having breast cancer.

4. Late Menopause - Just like early menstruation, late menopause means a women is exposed to estrogen hormones for a longer period of time thereby increasing her chance of getting cancer.

5. Oral contraceptives - Certain forms of oral contraceptive pills have been found to raise breast cancer risk.

6. Alcohol consumption - A woman’s risk for breast cancer increases with the more alcohol she drinks.

7. Being overweight - Older women who are overweight have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than those at a normal weight.

Are you exposed to any of the risk factors?

Early detection still remains the major key in combating breast cancer that is why you need to take off your bra today and touch breast. If you can't touch it yourself, get a certified doctor to help you touch it. Stay healthy, don't wear a bra today.