October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Ladies of La Mesa, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which serves the wonderful purpose of reminding us all to get our checkups as prescribed by our Doctors. According to the National Breast Cancer Organization,  "It is estimated that one in eight women, or approximately 12%, will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime." Free guides for early detection are available from their site.

If you've ever wondered whether stress plays a role in development of breast cancer, research shows it may. "In 2012, some research studies have shown that factors such as traumatic events and losses can alter immune system functions, and when immune functions are altered cancer cells may have an opportunity to get themselves established within one’s body. What has been shown is that it is not the fact that a major life crisis has occurred but instead how the individual reacted to this event and coped (or didn’t cope). Therefore, identifying ways to keep your stress level in check is wise."

I would encourage all women to include massage in their self-care. It can aid stress reduction for those who are in the prevention mode. It can comfort and ease symptoms in patients currently in active treatment. For survivors, it continues to be a very good component of self-care. As a trained oncology massage and Reiki provider, I urge you to seek a massage therapist trained for this specific type of massage. It is very important to have a therapist who is knowledgeable and able to adapt the massage for each individual to create the safest treatment possible.

Regardless of where you stand on your life's journey, I would love to work with you to assist you in obtaining your optimum health!