It’s October, and that means you’re hearing a lot about breast cancer awareness. Hearing about it and knowing what it looks like are two different things. Emani Vegan Cosmetics takes women’s health very seriously, so we’re dedicating this blog post to help women everywhere better understand breast cancer symptoms and the supportive resources available.

Symptoms

Most people identify breast cancer with feeling a lump or growth, but there are other indicators. Knowing what they are can help you catch it sooner:

• Redness of the breast
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Changes in nipple size, shape or texture
• Discharge from the nipples
• Armpit swelling
• Changes in breast skin texture, especially any thickening, ridging or dimpling

Breast Self-Examination

Did you know that 40% of cancer is found through a self-breast exam at home? It’s very easy to add to your morning routine. Between doing your hair and makeup for the day, add in a breast exam, making it as habitual as brushing your teeth or filling in your brows. Pay attention to visible or palpable changes to your breasts.

If you find a lump, don’t panic! Call your doctor, make an appointment and rigorously follow up with their testing and treatment plans.

Look Good. Feel Better!

Beauty regimens, tips and techniques help empower the woman with the brush in her hand. When most experience illness and treatment, especially when it’s cancer, can rock your confidence and self-esteem—but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Look Good Feel Better is a nonprofit devoted to “improving the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for cancer” and committed to providing beauty tips for empowerment and confidence. With more than 14,000 licensed hairdressers, estheticians and makeup artists volunteering to lead workshops, cancer patients can learn to manage the changes in their hair, skin and nails without compromising their treatment plan.

Whether your style is your suit of armor for your daily battle or a mirror to your heart, use expert resources are all aimed at supporting women, redefining beauty to fit their journey, and just helping you get through your day. Sources like Look Good Feel Better offer tips from beauty gurus, professional stylists and fellow survivors who can answer your questions, whether it be places to find wigs in your area to tips to caring for your complexion.