Second to Nature

Month: March 2026

Second To Nature Explains How to Talk to Kids About Breast Cancer
Second To Nature Explains How to Talk to Kids About Breast Cancer

It’s Not Easy to Tell Kids About Breast Cancer, But It’s Important You Do
We’re explaining how to talk to kids about breast cancer for the July Second To Nature blog. When on a cancer journey, parents sometimes feel like shielding their kids from the difficulties of it. However, many experts believe that it’s best to be honest, and let children know what’s going on. If you need to tell kids about breast cancer, you should:
Plan What to Say
Simple Language
Reassure Them
Invite Questions
Plan What to Say, Use Simple Language When You Tell Kids About Breast Cancer
When we say “plan what to say”, we don’t mean you need a prepared speech. To plan what to say, you should have a guideline of points to make, and answers to questions they might ask. It will help the conversation to stay on point when you plan what to say.
Part of how to talk to kids about breast cancer should include using simple language. The use of simple language means you won’t overwhelm kids with information that they can’t understand. Simple language is being honest and making age-appropriate descriptions about the disease, its treatment, etc.
Invite Questions You Can Answer About Breast Cancer, and Reassure Kids of Your Love
Your plan should also include choosing to invite questions that you can answer. When you invite questions, you give kids the opportunity to ask anything they have on their minds. It also helps children understand ways to cope and process their feelings when you invite questions. If you do choose to invite questions, be sure to answer honestly and appropriately.
This conversation will probably be emotionally difficult. While having it, always try to reassure kids they’ll still get the love and support they need. You should also reassure them that no one is to blame for your cancer, least of all them. Kids tend to equate sickness with sharing germs or catching colds. Therefore, you should also reassure them they can’t catch cancer.
Stay Positive Through the Entire Conversation About Breast Cancer
However or whenever you plan to talk to kids about breast cancer, do everything you can to stay positive. We understand it’s overwhelming and hard to stay positive when cancer causes an uncertain future. Even so, tell kids that whoever is battling cancer is getting the best care. Share with them that the breast cancer survival rate is promising. These are ways you can stay positive. When you stay positive with children, you reassure them so that they keep hope for the best outcome.
Contact Second To Nature by calling (540) 366-2711 to find out about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like us on Facebook and follow us to receive updates. We’d be glad to further explain how to talk to kids about breast cancer.
March 13, 2026
Reduce Breast Cancer Risks During the Summer
Reduce Breast Cancer Risks During the Summer

Second To Nature Hopes Everyone Has a Safe and Enjoyable Summer
You can reduce breast cancer risks during the summer in several ways, which is Second To Nature’s June blog topic. According to www.sciencedaily.com, sunlight exposure lowers the risk for breast cancer. Healthy foods like leafy green vegetables and berries also reduce breast cancer risks, according to www.healthline.com. Furthermore, you can reduce breast cancer risks over the summer all year long with healthy habits. You can reduce the risk when you quit smoking, drink less alcohol, and do more regular activity.
Sunlight Exposure and Healthy Foods Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer
A 2007 study conducted by Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that sunlight exposure reduces advanced breast cancer risks. More sunlight exposure increases the body’s vitamin D levels. Vitamin D from sunlight exposure impacts how quickly breast cells multiply. Be sure to safely expose yourself to the sun, though, so you avoid developing skin cancer.
Summer is also a great time to eat healthy foods, especially homegrown fruits and vegetables. Healthy foods are those packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Examples of healthy foods you might want to grow at home and eat more of this summer are:
Kale
Spinach
Blueberries
Strawberries
Grapes
Peaches
Onions
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Beans
Quit Smoking, Drink Less Alcohol, and Do More Regular Activity as Well
Regular activity also reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. In the summer, doing more regular activity is easier than other times because there’s so much to do outside. Go for a daily walk, play an outdoor sport, or start your vegetable garden to incorporate regular activity this summer. According to cancer.gov, observational studies have linked regular activity to lower risks of several types of cancer, including breast cancer.
While you’re doing regular activity, eating healthy food, and increasing sunlight exposure, try to quit smoking and consume less alcohol. We understand it’s hard to quit smoking in general, and summertime makes drinking less alcohol difficult for some people. Choosing to quit smoking and consume less alcohol also greatly benefits your overall physical health.
Contact Second To Nature by calling (540) 366-2711 to find out about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like us on Facebook and follow us to receive updates. We’d be glad to explain further how you can reduce breast cancer risks during the summer.
March 13, 2026
Men Get Breast Cancer, Too
Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

Let’s Talk About Breast Cancer in Men
Second to Nature acknowledges men get breast cancer too. So that’s Second To Nature’s May blog. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,) “one out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.” While family history and mutations like the BRCA2 gene impact both sexes equally, cirrhosis and obesity specifically impact men’s risk. The most common types that men develop include:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ
Like Women, Men Can Develop Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer
With invasive ductal carcinoma, cancer cells form in men’s breast ducts. The invasive ductal carcinoma cells then grow on the outside of their ducts into other areas of the breast. Invasive ductal carcinoma cells can also metastasize in other body parts, like the lymph nodes.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma in Breasts Also Occurs in Men and Women
Similarly, invasive lobular carcinoma cells start forming in the lobules. From the lobules, invasive lobular carcinoma cells spread to the nearest breast tissues. Just like ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma cancer cells can also metastasize to areas of the body like the lungs.
Men and Women Can Also Get Ductal Carcinoma in Situ Breast Cancer
Ductal carcinoma in situ differs from the other two breast cancers. Unlike ductal or lobular carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ is a breast disease limited to the lining of the ducts. Sometimes ductal carcinoma in situ leads to invasive breast cancer. Usually, though, the ductal carcinoma in situ cancer cells don’t spread to other tissues in the breast nor metastasize.
Cirrhosis and Obesity are Common Risk Factors for Men
Two common risk factors for men developing breast cancer are cirrhosis and/or obesity. Obesity means a person is excessively overweight, and cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis increases men’s risk for breast cancer by lowering their androgen levels and raising estrogen levels. Obesity causes chronic inflammation and increased levels of insulin, and sex hormones, all of which can lead to cancer.
Having risk factors like cirrhosis and obesity doesn’t mean men will develop breast cancer, though. That said, the CDC suggests that “all men can lower their risk by keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly.”
Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about mastectomy education in Roanoke, VA, and custom breast prosthesis. Like and follow us for updates on Facebook. We’d be happy to discuss how men get breast cancer too.
March 13, 2026
Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer

Second To Nature Looks Ahead to Mental Health Awareness
For Second To Nature’s April message, we’re sharing mental health issues related to breast cancer ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month. Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, and undergoing treatment, significantly impacts patients’ mental health. It’s quite common for patients to experience anxiety and depression; usually they’re temporary, but sometimes they become clinical. Treatment side effects can even cause insomnia and mood swings. Sometimes patients on especially difficult cancer journeys develop PTSD.
Anxiety and Depression are Common Mental Health Issues Related to Breast Cancer
The most common mental health issues related to breast cancer are anxiety and depression, two sides of the same coin. Anxiety is when you feel uncomfortable, worried, or fearful about a situation. Those on breast cancer journeys often experience anxiety pre- and post-treatment; they’re anxious about the treatment’s effectiveness and side effects. Post-treatment anxiety also includes fear of recurrence – anxiety about the cancer coming back.
With anxiety usually comes depression. Feelings of helplessness, guilt, and worthlessness are symptomatic of depression. Other symptoms include trouble making decisions focusing, or remembering, as well as extreme tiredness or less energy unassociated with treatment. If a patient’s depression causes thoughts of death or suicide, or attempts of suicide, please contact a crisis hotline ASAP.
Patients Might Also Experience Insomnia, Mood Swings, and Even PTSD
Insomnia, mood swings, and PTSD are also common. Sometimes mood swings and insomnia are simply side effects of breast cancer treatments. Difficulty falling or staying asleep or difficulty waking up are signs of insomnia. Quickly switching between happiness and cheerfulness to sadness, irritability, or anger is symptomatic of mood swings.
Developing PTSD is Another Mental Health Issue Related to a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
PTSD is short for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to breastcancer.org, a German study found that 82.5 percent of women with an early-stage diagnosis had symptoms of PTSD. Generally, their symptoms begin between the initial finding and starting treatment. PTSD symptoms include nightmares about the cancer experience, feeling emotionally numb, being startled or frightened easily, and self-destructive behavior.
To inquire about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Get updates on Facebook when you like and follow us. Our team wants to help you find resources to deal with mental health issues related to breast cancer.

March 13, 2026
Second To Nature Explains Various Benign Breast Lumps
Second To Nature Explains Various Benign Breast Lumps

Not All Lumps on Breasts Are Cancerous; Sometimes They’re Benign
This month’s blog topic is benign breast lumps. In our last blog of 2022, we explained that one breast cancer myth is that lumps always indicate cancer. If you have a lump on your breast or chest area, don’t panic. At Second To Nature, we want you to understand which breast lumps aren’t cancerous, as many are benign. According to Johns Hopkins, a lump which is always benign is:
An Abscess
A Cyst
Fat Necrosis
A Hematoma
Hematomas and Cysts are Benign Lumps Commonly Found on Breasts
A cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms in breast tissue, and sometimes feels like a large blister. Women between the ages of 35 and 50, and those approaching menopause, commonly develop breast cysts. Healthcare providers often find cysts during physical exams, and confirm their diagnosis with mammograms or ultrasounds. A hematoma is a mass filled with blood. Hematomas generally result from an injury, such as one from a car accident or fall. You can also get a hematoma after a surgical procedure of the breast, like a mastectomy. They usually resemble a bruise, and might feel like a firm lump under the skin.
Two Common Benign Lumps Also Include an Abscess and Fat Necrosis
Fat necrosis is a condition that creates a round, firm lump. It’s painless, and results from disintegrating and damaged fatty tissues within the breast. Women with especially large breasts, or who experienced a bruise or blow to the breast, generally develop fat necrosis. Sometimes a lumpectomy and radiation from cancerous lumps result in fat necrosis. Fat necrosis lumps are not cancerous, though, and don’t increase any risk of breast cancer.
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms on the breast. It causes inflammation and a sore lump. Other abscess symptoms can include fever and tiredness. While an abscess on your breast is uncomfortable and painful, it’s not life-threatening because it’s benign. Treatment for an abscess includes draining the pus to improve symptoms and taking antibiotics.
For information about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Like us on Facebook and follow us for updates. We can help you be sure whether or not you have benign breast lumps.
March 13, 2026
What NOT to Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer
What NOT to Say to Someone Battling Breast Cancer

We Understand It’s Tough to Know What to Say to Someone With Cancer
This month, Second To Nature is blogging about what NOT to say to someone battling breast cancer. When people about whom we deeply care are on cancer journeys, it’s often hard to interact with them. It’s not because we don’t want to, but we often find ourselves at a loss for words when in their company.
As we explained last month, it’s important to continue communicating with loved ones on their cancer journeys. That said, sometimes what we say isn’t always helpful. When you’re talking with a loved one battling breast cancer, avoid saying:
“How are you?”
“You’ll be okay” and other cheerleading phrases
Statements of unfounded empathy like “I know what you’re going through”
“Maybe you should have” statements
Nothing
Avoid Asking “How Are You?” and Saying “Maybe You Should Have _____”
We’re not suggesting that asking “how are you” is insensitive or specifically inappropriate. However, asking a patient “how are you” is too open ended. Instead of asking “how are you,” ask things like “how is your treatment going?” You could also add “feeling” to the question and ask “how are you feeling?”
Saying “Maybe You Should Have” is Like Blaming Cancer on the Patient
Maybe you’re talking to someone you know who hasn’t practiced healthy habits. You might be tempted to say “maybe you should have” and point out the healthier choices that person could’ve made. Even if science supports unhealthy choices as possible cancer causes, never say “maybe you should have” to someone battling cancer. It’s also not supportive to say “maybe you should have gone to the doctor sooner” or other such statements. Saying such things sounds like you’re shaming the patient or, worse, blaming the patient for getting cancer.
Cheerleading Phrases and Unfounded Empathy Often Aren’t Helpful
Avoid saying things like “everything is going to be fine” and “you’ll be okay.” Such cheerleading phrases may feel like encouragement to the one giving them, but not to the recipient. The last thing a patient whose been throwing up all night, and feels terrible wants to hear are cheerleading phrases. Rather than saying cheerleading phrases as encouragement, say something like “we’re going to get through this together.” That’s not a cheerleading phrase as much one that communicates your support on their cancer journey.
Unfounded Empathy Diminishes Cancer Patients’ Personal Experiences
Statements of unfounded empathy like “I know what you’re going through” might seem empathetic to you. Really, though, you don’t know what the person is going through, specifically. You might have had cancer yourself, and, therefore, think this type of phrase is not unfounded empathy. However, everyone’s cancer journey is different. Putting yourself in another person’s shoes diminishes that patient’s personal experiences.
The Truly Worst Thing You Can Say to Breast Cancer Patients is Nothing
Saying nothing about a patient’s breast cancer journey is the worst of all communication choices. When you say nothing, it can feel like abandonment, and come across as hurtful. Rather than saying nothing, be honest, and tell the patient that you feel awkward or uncomfortable. That lets the patient know you care, and just don’t want to hurt his or her feelings.
For mastectomy education information and to learn about custom breast prosthesis, call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We’d be glad to further describe what NOT to say to someone battling breast cancer.
March 13, 2026
Find Ways to Show Love…
Find Ways to Show Love…

Second To Nature Loves and Supports Every Breast Cancer Survivor
With Valentine’s Day coming up soon, let’s find ways to show love to loved ones battling breast cancer. If you have a special someone in your life with breast cancer, consider ways to shower love on them. Expressions of love and support are invaluable to those going through any kind of health challenge.
We love and support every breast cancer survivor at Second To Nature! Among the many ways you can show love to loved ones battling breast cancer, you can:
Communicate and Visit with Loved Ones
Give Your Loved One Useful Gifts or a Makeover
Encourage and Support Them
How to Communicate With, Visit, and Encourage Breast Cancer Patients
The most fulfilling way to show people you love them is when you encourage, communicate with, and visit them. This is especially true for people battling breast cancer. Too often those on a breast cancer journey tend to isolate themselves. This can lead to compounding conditions like depression; so how do we communicate that we care?
Send brief, frequent notes or text messages, or make short, regular calls to communicate. On the phone, remember to listen carefully. Schedule short, regular visits rather than long, infrequent ones. On these visits, remember to give physical and emotional support to the caregiver, too. With every note, text, call, and visit, encourage the patient and caregiver. When you encourage others, it builds self-confidence, success, self-esteem, and validation.
Show Breast Cancer Patients Love with Useful Gifts or Makeovers
In addition to visiting, chatting, and showing encouragement, you can show love to breast cancer patients in tangible ways, too. If the patient is undergoing treatment that affects his or her appearance, offer to give a makeover. According to cancer.org, makeovers can help patients look more like their normal selves, which helps them feel better, and gives them more confidence. If a patient isn’t interested in getting a makeover, consider buying him or her a useful gift.
Useful Gifts to Give to Breast Cancer Patients
Useful gifts are small, practical items. A useful gift might be something the patient needs or simply enjoys. Examples of useful gifts include:
Silk or satin pillowcases
Self-care items, like a cancer resource book, a special pillow, or a heating pad
A CD or download of patients’ favorite music
Funny or heartwarming movies
Audio books
Encourage and Support to Show that You Love Someone
If you wish to share support and encouragement to loved ones who live farther away from you, consider sending them a gift certificate or making a donation to a favorite charity in their honor. Giving expressions of love, support, and encouragement are just a small way to provide a gentle boost. You never know when someone may need it. Think ahead and plan to make your Valentine’s Day extra special for your loved ones battling breast cancer.
Call Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711 to learn about mastectomy education and custom breast prosthesis. Follow and like us on Facebook for updates. We’d also be glad to share more ways to show love to loved ones battling breast cancer.
March 13, 2026
Myths Vs. Truths About Breast Cancer
Myths Vs. Truths About Breast Cancer

It’s Important to Know What’s a Breast Cancer Myth and What’s Truth
As we wrap up 2022, we’re blogging about myths vs. truths about breast cancer. There’s a lot of information out there about breast cancer. It’s hard to determine what’s breast cancer truth and what’s actually a breast cancer myth. At Second To Nature, we provide mastectomy education, and encourage true breast cancer awareness. Therefore, our blog this month focuses on weeding through breast cancer truths versus myths like:
Family History Solely Determines Breast Cancer Risk
Practicing Healthy Behaviors Guarantees Not Getting Breast Cancer
Too Much Sugar Causes Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Always Manifests as a Lump
Breast Cancer Myth: Only Family History Determines Breast Cancer Risk
Yes, family history is certainly a factor when determining a risk for breast cancer. However, the breast cancer truth is only five to 10 percent of women inherit breast cancers, according to breastcancer.org. Even if you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you can consider factors like environment and lifestyle. That said, those with a family history of breast cancer should also seriously consider that risk as well as others.
Breast Cancer Myth: Healthy Behaviors Avert Developing Breast Cancer
Absolutely, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly and other healthy behaviors can help lower breast cancer risks. Even so, the breast cancer truth is that no specific healthy behaviors guarantee you won’t get breast cancer. An additional healthy behavior that lowers the risk of fatal breast cancer is performing self-breast exams. That way, you can spot unusual changes in your breasts. Besides adopting healthy behaviors, you should get regular mammograms.
Breast Cancer Myth: Too Much Sugar in Your Diet Causes Breast Cancer
A common cancer myth is to avoid consuming too much sugar because sugar feeds and increases cancer growth. That’s not entirely accurate. In general, consuming too much sugar is just not a healthy choice to make. The breast cancer truth is that all cells, whether cancerous or not, use sugar as fuel. Yes, cancer cells consume sugar more quickly than non-cancerous cells. However, that doesn’t mean that too much sugar causes breast cancer, or any type of cancer for that matter.

Breast Cancer Myth: Breast Cancer Always Shows Itself as a Lump
This breast cancer myth is not a breast truth for two reasons. First of all, according to the Mayo Clinic, many with breast cancer never had symptoms, including lumps, prior to diagnosis. A lot of times doctors only found their cancer in a screening, like a mammogram. Secondly, according to the Cleveland Clinic, the majority of lumps we find on our bodies are harmless. Lumps aren’t likely cancerous if:
They’re soft
They’re located in the fat layer of skin
Activity increases their size and pain levels
Resting decreases their size and pain levels
They move and change form when touched
For information about custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education, call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 in Roanoke, VA. Like and follow us on Facebook for updates. We’d also be happy to share more myths vs. truths about breast cancer.
March 13, 2026
The MyShape Collection by ABC Prosthetics

The MyShape Collection by ABC Prosthetics

Custom Prosthetics from the MyShape Collection Mold to the Chest Wall
To close out 2022, we’re blogging about the MyShape Collection by ABC Prosthetics. Last month, Second To Natureshared general information about American Breast Care (ABC) Prosthetics. Since 2003, ABC has provided customized full form and partial prosthesis breast care products to women worldwide. Their newest innovation is the MyShape collection.
What’s the MyShape Collection?
MyShape prosthetics are made with flexible and comfortable material that molds full form and partial prosthesis to the chest wall. Like everything ABC Prosthetics offers, MyShape is customized to match shapes, match body types, and more. ABC MyShape options, also known as shapers, balancers, or partials, are breast prostheses designed to provide a bit more fullness to complete bra symmetry. MyShape prosthetics is an especially affordable option for those whose insurance doesn’t cover any custom prosthetic, full form or partial prosthesis.
Choose from Full Form or Partial Prosthesis Options with MyShape
Whether you had a lumpectomy or mastectomy, ABC’s MyShape collection has both full form and partial prosthesis for you. For a full form prosthesis, there’s the ABC’s RFS Amandasil™ silicone back. This proprietary prosthetic molds to the surgical topography of a mastectomy patient’s chest wall. The ABC MyShaper works best for a partial prosthesis; it’s also made using Amandasil material, with a specialized moldable back.
With MyShape, Custom Prosthetics Match Shapes and Most Body Types
MyShape prosthetics can match shapes and body types of all kinds. They’ll match shapes of small breasts needing more thickness all over. MyShape will also match body types needing mostly fullness at the top of the bra cup.
How Second To Nature Matches Body Types and Match Shapes with MyShape
At Second To Nature, we customize ABC MyShapers, RFS Amandasils, and MyShape Triangle prosthetics to match shapes and body types. As explained in our blog last month, the 3D scanning process will capture images for customization; this will match body types to the right breast prosthesis. The images also help match shapes so that the prosthetic looks natural.
Reach out to Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about our services. We specialize in custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We are happy to explain more about the MyShape collection by ABC Prosthetics.

March 13, 2026
All About American Breast Care Prosthetics

All About American Breast Care Prosthetics

The Best Non-Surgical Reconstruction Option Following a Mastectomy
For our second to final 2022 blog, we’re talking all about how the American Breast Care Prosthetics company works. When you come to Second To Nature for a breast prosthesis, we work to personalize and meet your needs. One of the ways in which we do that is offering ABC Prosthetics. Since 2003, they’ve provided breast care prosthesis to women worldwide by customizing the products from start to finish.
ABC Prosthetics Starts Things Off with a Pre-Scanning Consultation
When contemplating a custom prosthesis, you’ll start off with a pre-scanning consultation to review the options offered by ABC Prosthetics. At your pre-scanning consultation, a fitter will present and review everyone’s expectations about the prosthesis. You’ll discuss your color choices and payment options, plus receive details about the 3D scanning process during your pre-scanning consultation.
At the 3D Scanning & Fitting, ABC Prosthetics Prepares Your Prosthesis
After completing your pre-scanning consultation, you’ll schedule your 3D scanning appointment and a fitting session. Prior to undergoing the 3D scanning, your fitter will review the 3D scanning and fitting process with you. During the actual 3D scanning appointment, the fitter takes scans of your torso with a state-of-the-art, iPad-based instrument.
What Happens After the 3D Scanning?
After your 3D scanning, the Custom Design team of ABC Prosthetics in Marietta, GA, receives your files via a secure transmission. The ABC Prosthetics breast form designers use their CAD-based engineering system to create a custom breast prosthesis with exact specifications. When Second To Nature receives the ABC prosthetic, your fitter will set up a fitting appointment. You’ll be able to see and feel the finished ABC prosthetic for yourself at your fitting session. At the fitting, an Open Back, Closed Back, or (ACT) prosthesis goes in the bra you wore during 3D scanning.
Choose from an Open Back, a Closed Back, or an ACT Custom Prosthesis
The customized prosthesis options ABC Prosthetics offers include Open Back, Closed Back, and Advanced Cooling Technology (ACT.) Open Back options have a porous-silicone back and fit closely to torso’s contours. A Closed Back prosthesis has a completely sealed construction, allowing for easy maintenance. According to ABC’s website, ACT uses materials “that transfers energy from body heat into a cooler sensation against the skin.”
Call Second To Nature at (540) 366-2711 for information about our services. We specialize in custom breast prosthesis and mastectomy education. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We are happy to share all about American Breast Care Prosthetics.

March 13, 2026