Let’s get real for a sec – we love dressing up in tasteful lingerie and feeling like queens, but want to know the ultimate power move? 

Taking charge of your health. 

October isn't just about spooky season: it's also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We're excited to team up with Know Your Lemons to educate women globally about breast health in fun, creative ways while highlighting the importance of early breast cancer detection.

We’ll give you a quick and easy guide on spotting early breast cancer symptoms, how to self-check, preparing for your first mammogram, and busting common breast cancer myths.

But First, Why Breast Health Matters

Feeling your best isn’t just about looking fab in your Mentionables lingerie; it’s about making sure everything underneath is in tip-top shape, too. 

Breast cancer ranks as the second most common cancer worldwide and is the number one cancer affecting women. Last year, statistics show that 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to over 670,000 deaths. 

But the good news is, catching it early makes a world of difference. When breast cancer is caught at stage 1, the survival rate is 99%. However, at stage 4, that number plummets to just 32%. Education and regular checks are absolutely vital in detecting the disease early on.

We can acknowledge that this a heavy subject – but we want to bring some brightness in. To do that, grab your fave cozy lace bralette, settle in, and let’s chat about how to give your “girls” the care they deserve.

How to Spy Early Breast Cancer Symptoms 

Breasts vary in shape, size, and texture, especially due to monthly hormonal fluctuations and life phases like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause. It’s essential to know your own natural appearance and feel. 

Before you start inspecting, keep in mind that breasts and the surrounding areas naturally contain lumps and bumps, such as milk lobes and lymph nodes. Milk lobes can feel like soft, pea-sized bumps, while lymph nodes may feel like spongy beans. However, if you discover a hard, thick lump that doesn’t move, it may be time to schedule a doctor's visit.

With that in mind, here are some key early signs to watch for:

• Lumps: While some lumps are normal, (especially when breastfeeding or around the time of your menstrual cycle), if the lump is immovable and doesn’t go away with time, it’s best to get it checked out ASAP. 
• Thick areas: If a spot feels less “squishy” than the surrounding tissue and doesn’t go away over time (especially after nursing or your period) it could indicate inflammatory breast cancer developing close to the skin's surface. The most effective way to assess breast density is through a mammogram.
• Changes in shape or size: This can include bumps, flattening, swelling in one or both breasts and drooping. While these changes are common during breastfeeding, if they continue after feeding, they could signal a potential concern.
• Skin texture or temperature changes: Signs such as dimpling, redness, rashes, sores, hot spots, or visibly enlarged veins (totally normal when breastfeeding) can be early indicators if they linger long-term, despite other treatments.
• Changes in nipples: Keep an eye on discharge (particularly if it's clear or bloody), nipples that suddenly invert, or soreness that doesn’t let up. 

Constant pain: Typically felt in your breast or armpit, this discomfort doesn't feel like the usual period or breastfeeding aches and isn't relieved by remedies or time.

The Self-Check in 5 Easy Steps 

Here’s where Know Your Lemons comes in clutch with their cheeky "lemon-inspired" self-check guide. Make self-exams part of your monthly routine – trust us, it’s just as important as your skincare regimen. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to do this at home:

1. Look in the mirror and have good lighting. Place hands on your hips and flex your chest muscles. Check for any visual changes or shadows highlighting dimples or indentations. 
2. Raise your arms over your head. Watch for any differences in shape or skin texture.
3. Feel your breasts while standing or leaning forward. Using firm pressure with your fingertips, rub in circular motions. Start from the outer edges and move in towards the center, making note of any hard lumps. 
4. Lie down for a second check. Breast tissue spreads out more evenly when lying down with an arm overhead, making it easier to feel changes.
5. Check your armpits, collarbones, and around your ribcage. Don’t forget the lymph nodes in these areas – they’re part of the whole picture too, and if inflamed, can signal a potential cancer risk.

PROTIP: Still not sure how to check yourself? Download Know Your Lemons’ user-friendly, award-winning self-exam app. It’s free and can help walk you through the entire process, plus answer questions and address concerns.

Mammogram Tips

Getting a mammogram is vital for early breast cancer detection and serves as one of our most reliable tools, spotting around 85-90% of cases. Yet, despite this understanding, the process can still feel incredibly nerve-wracking and scary.

To help ease those nerves, here are some helpful tips to prepare:

• Choose the right time in your cycle. If you still have periods, schedule your mammogram during the week after, when your breasts are less tender or swollen. We’d also advise not to schedule right before Aunt Flow shows up, as your “girls” can be more sensitive during that time, too.
• On appointment day, skip using deodorant, lotion, or powders. These items can appear on the mammogram as white splotches, affecting the screening and causing inaccurate results.
• Wear a comfy two-piece outfit to your visit. Since you'll need to undress from the waist up for the exam, avoid wearing dresses or jumpsuits.
• Take a pain reliever beforehand. If you're worried about discomfort, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen an hour before your appointment to reduce tenderness.
• Be ready for the squeeze. The compression lasts a few seconds per image, and while it may be uncomfortable, it’s a necessary part of getting clear images. Try to keep in mind that it's quick and won’t last long.
• Bring in previous results. If you've already had a mammogram, especially at a different clinic, bring the results with you or let the technician know where your prior records can be accessed. The radiologist can compare results to your other images.
• Schedule testing at an FDA-certified facility. This ensures you’re getting the best care and imaging possible.

PROTIP: For even more info, check out Know Your Lemons’ mammogram page or, download the app.

Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

Thanks to years of research, today we have a wealth of knowledge about breast cancer. Yet, there are still many misconceptions. Let’s cover a few mistaken beliefs about breast cancer and get to the truth:

1. Myth: “Wearing Underwire Bras Can Lead to Breast Cancer.” 

Truth: There’s no scientific data linking underwire bras to an increased risk of breast cancer.

2. Myth: “Breast Cancer Always Includes a Lump.” 

Truth: While lumps are a common symptom of breast cancer, it doesn’t always present this way. A positive diagnosis can also include less obvious signs like nipple discharge, skin changes, or strange pain. This is why regular screening is so critical for catching cancer.

3. Myth: “Wearing Deodorants or Antiperspirants Can Cause Breast Cancer.” 

Truth: There isn’t any hard evidence showing that antiperspirants or deodorants can cause breast cancer. More research is needed to make that claim.

4. Myth: “Mammograms Detect All Breast Cancer.” 

Truth: It’s true that mammograms are one of the best screening tools we have; but they can’t always show any and every type of breast cancer. Breast density, tumor location, and certain kinds of breast cancer, (like inflammatory breast cancer) can be more tricky for mammograms to detect. It’s important to do both regular mammograms and self-exams, while also keeping your doctor informed of any changes, even with a clear mammogram.

5. Myth: “Eating Sugar Can Cause Breast Cancer.” 

Truth: All cells, including cancerous ones, need glucose (sugar) for energy. But eating sugar doesn't directly cause or fuel cancer. However, weight gain and obesity due to a high-sugar diet are risk factors for many kinds of cancer. Your best bet is to focus on healthy balanced nutrition, but there’s no need to cut out the sweets altogether. Hallelujah!

6. Myth: “Only Older Women with a Family History of Breast Cancer Are at Risk.” 

Truth: Breast cancer is typically more common in older women, but it can happen at any age. Younger women should still monitor their breast health and share with their doctor any concerns. While having a family history of breast cancer can increase your risk, surprisingly, the majority of women diagnosed have no genetic predisposition. Recent cancer case studies are showing that lifestyle, age, and environmental exposure play much more significant roles.

Be a Breast Health Boss

Your Mentionables lingerie is here to help you feel empowered, but your true power lies in taking care of yourself. By keeping up with self-checks and staying on top of mammograms, you’re not just being proactive – you’re being a total boss.

To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and our collaboration with Know Your Lemons in promoting breast health and early cancer detection, we're thrilled to unveil our exclusive Mentionables lingerie "Pretty In Pink" set. 

This pink set comes with a purpose – featuring a soft velvet and mesh bow bralette paired with cut-out, high waist crotchless panties in a bright pop of pink. Join us for Pink Week (October 1-4) where we will donate 12% of the proceeds from this limited-edition set to Know Your Lemons to support their breast cancer education mission. 

Let’s keep this convo going – what questions or advice do you have? Whether it's about breast health or lingerie, we’re all about keeping theMentionables community informed and feeling your best.