TresSugar

Breasts: They’re Not Just There to Titillate

TresSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:00:00 -0700

"I put these pictures out on Facebook to put a message out to women – check your breasts regularly and do not ever be ashamed of a mastectomy. For Facebook to claim they were ‘sexual and abusive’ was absurd. There is nothing sexual about them."

After 45-year-old cancer survivor Sharon Adams underwent a mastectomy, she decided that the best way to raise awareness was to post her mastectomy scar on Facebook. The picture is graphic, scary, and far removed from the airbrushed soft core porn images of breasts we see everyday. In a way, it was her personal public service announcement to women.

Facebook's response? They took the images down, claiming they were "sexual and abusive." To find out what happened after this, read more

This sounds remarkably similar to the furor they created when breastfeeding photos were taken down and Facebook spokesperson Barry Schnitt said, "Photos containing a fully exposed breast (as defined by showing the nipple or areola) do violate those terms (on obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit material) and may be removed."

Adams won in the end, and Facebook issued an apology after nearly 900 furious people joined an online group calling for the ban to be lifted.

These cases bring up an interesting issue about gender and representation. There seems to be only one prevailing meaning of the female breast - it's "obscene, pornographic or sexually explicit" because that's the way it's represented in our culture. When a woman presents a nonsexual image of breasts, in the context of certain women's issues - motherhood, illness and recovery - there's a refusal to see it from her point of view.

When Facebook told Sharon Adams her mastectomy scars were "abusive," maybe they meant abusive to men who only want to see breasts that turn them on.

Source

Health Benefits of the Pill

DearSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700

I'm sure many of you are on the pill for various different reasons, but most of you have been on it for years, so have you ever asked yourself if you were doing more harm than good? If so, and if you're concerned about the health risks of taking the pill, check out this chart below.

Health Benefits

Studies have shown that being on the pill for more than two years can decrease your risk for ovarian cancer by 70 percent, and endometrial cancer by 50 percent (great news).
The occurrence of benign ovarian tumors is also decreased.
Higher dose pills can decrease the development of ovarian cysts and fibroids.

To see the rest of this list, read more.

Health Benefits

Not only can the pill lighten your periods, but that decrease in blood loss is great for women who have issues with anemia.
If you have extremely painful or heavy periods, the pill can help alleviate these symptoms.
If you have acne, certain types of pills can help clear up your skin.
Certain pills such as Yaz can also help with PMS (goodbye crying uncontrollably and breaking up with your boyfriend every month!).
You'll be happy to hear that being on the pill for extended periods of time doesn't affect your fertility, so when you're ready to become pregnant, your body will be ready soon after you go off it.

Dear's advice: As you can see, there are numerous benefits to being on the pill. You should know that there are also health risks that go along with taking hormonal birth control. Although it's rare, the pill may cause blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. If you're a smoker or over 35, these risks are increased. If you have a family history of any of these issues, you probably should find another form of birth control.

Source

British Baby to Be Breast Cancer Gene Free

LibertySugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:00:10 -0700

A British woman will soon give birth to a baby guaranteed to be free of hereditary breast cancer. Out of 11 embryos, five were free of the breast cancer gene, and two were implanted in the mother.

The father had the gene, and his sister, mother, grandmother, and cousin all had cancer. Now, the breast cancer-causing gene has been purged from the couple's lineage. Of course the baby will be susceptible to environmental cancer-causing factors.

I worry that if genetic selection becomes widespread, we may forfeit diversity, while excluding useful genes from the pool. Of course, it makes sense that a mother chose the healthiest embryo during in vitro fertilization - I just wonder if we really know which embryo is the "healthiest" in the long run.

Is embryo screening a courageous way for parents to spare their children from painful diseases? Should the law address the moral issues accompanied with selective pregnancies? Could we end up making humans more susceptible to disease, if we manipulate the gene pool too much?

Source

How Have You Been Touched by Breast Cancer?

DearSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:00:00 -0700

Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have been hearing a lot about this disease. Of course my favorite thing to hear are the stories from survivors - we all need to hear that whisper of hope in our ears, since so many women are touched by breast cancer.

It's important to share all our stories with other women to give us a sense of community and strength. Whether you have been diagnosed with breast cancer yourself, or a family member or friend has been, I'm sure most of us know someone who has been affected by this disease. It's for those women that we continue our fight against breast cancer.

I'd be honored to hear how you've been touched by breast cancer so if you feel comfortable sharing your stories, please do so in the comments below.

Source

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

DearSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:30:00 -0700

More than 20 years ago, the month of October was dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness and the importance of early detection. As we all know, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States and according to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that about 178,480 women in the US will be found to have invasive breast cancer in 2007. With so many people affected by this disease, it's important to raise awareness and become as educated as possible. There are so many great resources out there and here are just a few websites to help you locate any information you might need.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month: More than just one month a year, the NBCAM has a website with breaking news on breast cancer, lists of patient services, and basic as well as detailed information on the disease.
American Cancer Society: The ACS is dedicated to educating women on how to reduce their risk of developing the disease and finding the best options for treating breast cancer. They believe in early detection and recommend that all women over 40 receive an annual mammogram. The ACS website is loaded with information and they have 24 hour telephone service to offer the comfort of live support and to answer questions about cancer, link callers with resources in their communities, and provide information on local events (1-800-ACS-2345).

For more information read more

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: Founded by Komen's sister, this foundation is dedicated to curing breast cancer at every stage - funding research on the causes and possible cures, as well as helping ease the pain and anxiety for those diagnosed with the disease and their families. You can help raise funds for research by participating in the 3 Day Event. It is a three day, 60 mile walk that takes place in major cities all over the country throughout the summer and fall. If you missed the walk this year, you can always aim for next year.
National Breast Cancer Foundation: NBCF's mission is to provide educational programs and funding for free mammograms to women who cannot afford them, as well as provide online resources for women battling breast cancer.

If shopping to support breast cancer research seems more your speed than walking 60 miles, Fab has the website for you!

Source

Last Chance to Win a $500 Breast Cancer Donation in Your Name!

DearSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0700

As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and I'm thrilled to offer you a chance to win a wonderful prize for a great cause: a $500 donation in your name to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure foundation. Since breast cancer doesn't discriminate, it's important for all of us to educate ourselves and do our part to raise awareness and support to help fight this disease.

To test your knowledge and learn some helpful information about breast cancer, take my quiz below. One lucky reader will win a $500 dollar donation in her name to the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member, and you must log in before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, as all repeat quizzes will be ignored. The contest is open to US residents only and ends Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Click here for official rules. Enjoy and good luck!

Source

Take the quiz

Are You a Risk Taker?

TresSugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Earlier this week, 181 women jumped from nine planes to set the word record for most women jumping in skydiving formation. The jumpers, from more than 26 different countries, came together to raise money for breast cancer research, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They included breast cancer survivors, their families, and friends. In total, the jump raised almost $1 million.

While I really admire these women for jumping for an important cause (and setting a world record to boot!), I don't know if I could bring myself to jump out of a plane. Are you a scaredy cat like me, or do you like the rush that comes with taking risks?

How to Perform a Self Breast Exam

DearSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Being proactive and aware of our body and health is so important, especially as women. While heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, breast cancer comes in at a close second. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to pass along some tips to help educate you on breast self exams. Click here to read more

By the age of 20, women should be giving themselves breast exams at least once a month in addition to seeing their gynecologists on a regular basis
The best time to perform your exam is when your breasts are not swollen or tender, most recommended a week after your period
Women who are breast feeding, have implants or who are pregnant should be more diligent about their exams as lumps can be harder to detect
You must administer your exam while lying down so your breast tissue can spread out evenly on your chest
Whichever breast you examine first, place that arm above your head and use your fingertips from your opposite hand to massage and feel for lumps in a circular motion
Start your exam by your armpit and continue down to your rib cage, or until you no longer feel breast tissue, in an up and down pattern (chin to belly button).
Repeat on the other side
After both breasts are completed, sit up and check for lumps in your armpit with your arm slightly lifted. If the skin is too tight, it will be more difficult to feel for abnormalities
Many women have lumpy breasts to begin with; so don't be too alarmed if you feel some bumps along the way. Some lumps could be calcium deposits, cysts, or Fibrocystic breast condition, which are typically non malignant, perfectly normal lumps

If you feel anything abnormal, consult your doctor as soon as you can. Many women get lumps that are non cancer threatening all the time, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Getting to know your breasts, the shape, the feel and their look is the best way to detect if they have changed in any way which to alert you of any red flags. It's easy to forget your self exam, so if you need a monthly reminder, iVillage will send you an e-mail reminder along with expert answers to common questions, helpful tips and a complete guide to doing a self-exam.

Source

Win a Special Edition Antica Farmacista Diffuser

DearSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:00:00 -0700

As you all know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so I thought it would be a perfect time to launch the first DearSugar giveaway! Antica Farmacista has put together a special edition Peonia Romantico Breast Cancer Home Ambiance Perfume to honor BCAM and Susanne Pruitt, the co-owner of Antica Farmacista and a Breast Cancer survivor. All of the proceeds of this $88 home fragrance will go to Gilda's Club, an organization providing support for those living with Breast Cancer and their families.

To enter Dear's very first giveaway, simply leave a comment in the comments section below by 5 p.m. PDT / 8 p.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 22. We'll announce the winner next Tuesday, Oct. 23. Please, only leave ONE comment per person; duplicate comments will be discarded. You must be a TeamSugar member to leave a comment, so if you're not already registered, please do so here. For the rules and regulations, click here.

Gook luck!

We Have a Winner!

DearSugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 10:00:00 -0700

Dear's very first giveaway is over! I want to send a big thank you to everyone who participated in our Breast Cancer Awareness Month themed event and just because you didn't win this time around, rest assured that there will be many more chances for you to walk away with something fabulous!

Let us all congratulate the lucky winner: Jill16p! This Peonia Romantico Breast Cancer Home Ambiance Perfume is all yours so enjoy it and again, congrats!