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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

In the recent Riley Blake Newsletter, Cindy Cloward, Creative Director/Owner of Riley Blake Designs, shared, "A few years ago we created a video to show you how to make a post-surgery heart pillow. These little pillows are designed to fit under the armpit, providing support after a mastectomy or other breast cancer related surgeries.

Download the free template, designed by our friend, Sachiko (Tea Rose home), who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. Make one or a dozen and donate them to your local oncologist's office." Watch the Video. Download the Pattern.

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation posts that, "1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. We're sparking a conversation to change the odds for women everywhere. Follow along as we continue to share important stats and actionable tips in advance of 1 in 8 Day on October 18th. Join us in spreading the word.

As part of our ongoing series of 8 themed carousels leading up to 1 in 8 Day on October 18, we're sharing 8 Small Acts You Can Take Today to Help End Breast Cancer. From starting a fundraiser to checking in on a loved one, every small step can make a big impact. Swipe through to discover simple ways to support research, raise awareness, and change outcomes for everyone affected by breast cancer."

I am adding a couple of my own Small Acts - perhaps you will consider making a post-surgery heart pillow to give to a friend, donate to to a local Oncologist's office or Hospital Cancer Center.

And, let's stay informed; do you know why self-breast exams are no longer recommended? Anna Weiss, MD Wilmot Cancer Institute's director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Center at Pluta, explains why the guidelines changed and how to best screen for breast cancer now.

"Still, it's important to know your body, Weiss emphasizes. This doesn't mean you should never touch your breasts. If you notice anything unusual, it is important to reach out to a provider. But you don't have to formally examine every quadrant of each breast in the shower every month."

Women at high risk for breast cancer, such as those with family history or genetic predisposition, may still benefit from self-exams in additional to regular screenings. Here is a link to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. with a video explaining that while a breast self-exam is a useful tool for the early detection of breast cancer, it should not take the place of regular mammograms and clinical breast exams.

If you haven't scheduled your annual Mammogram, I hope you join me and call your Physician this week to make an appointment.

Thank you for stopping by.

XOXOX