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History of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

History of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Second to Nature Honors the American Cancer Society’s NBCAM Legacy
This month, we’re explaining October as breast cancer awareness month for the latest Second to Nature blog. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) campaigns focus on increasing awareness and fundraising for research to find a cure. The American Cancer Society encourages awareness by promoting mammography and self-examinations. For most of the time October has served as NBCAM, the symbol has been a pink ribbon.
It Began in October 1985 with an American Cancer Society Campaign
In October 1985, the American Cancer Society and Imperial Chemical Industries’ pharmaceutical division founded NBCAM. The American Cancer Society’s goal was to promote awareness and mammography. Today, fundraisers held during NBCAM benefit the American Cancer Society’s research efforts. In 1991, the Susan B. Komen Foundation distributed pink ribbons to participants in an October breast cancer survivors’ fundraising race.
Why the Susan B. Komen Foundation Got Involved with NBCAM
Former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor, helped launch the 1985 American Cancer Society campaign. In the late 1970s, Mrs. Ford’s survival story had inspired Susan B. Komen during her own breast cancer journey. Though Susan passed away before October 1985, the Susan B. Komen Foundation honored her legacy by participating in NBCAM campaigns.
NBCAM Uses the Pink Ribbon to Promote Mammography and Awareness
The most recognizable way that most people observe NBCAM is by wearing pink ribbons and clothing during October. According to the American Cancer Society website, “people wear pink ribbons to honor survivors …” They also wear pink ribbons to honor the memory of those who lost their cancer battles. Pink ribbons also show support for the progress the American Cancer Society’s progress is making to permanently end breast cancer. One way that pink ribbons show support for this progress is promoting mammography awareness.
Why Does the American Cancer Society Push Mammography During NBCAM?
As we shared in our October 2021 blog, mammography has contributed to reducing breast cancer mortality in the U.S. by almost 40 percent since 1990. The Centers for Disease Control says mammography is the best way “doctors have to find breast cancer early, sometimes up to three years” before patients feel it. Mammography is stressed during NBCAM to encourage early detection.
To find out more about our services, call Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Stay up-to-date when you like and follow us on Facebook. We’d be glad to talk more about October as breast cancer awareness month.

March 13, 2026
Second to Nature Shares Winter Weather Breast Conditions

Second to Nature Shares Winter Weather Breast Conditions

Cold Temperatures Can Result in Painful, But Benign, Breast Conditions
This month, Second to Nature’s blog focuses on winter weather breast conditions. Exposure to cold weather can result in various breast health concerns. Sometimes, the condition is rare, like Raynaud’s phenomenon in the nipple. Other times, wearing cold weather clothing on sensitive breast tissue can also lead to mastitis, especially in nursing mothers. Those who tend to have cold appendages or poor circulation can develop nipple vasospasm.
Mastitis: Breast Inflammation and Infections Common in Cold Weather
According to the Mayo Clinic, “mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes involves an infection.” Mastitis symptoms include sudden breast swelling, tenderness, warmth to the touch, skin redness in a wedge-shaped pattern, and fever. Though this condition can occur in both women and men, nursing mothers are most at risk. According to romper.com, the heavy nature of cold weather clothing on breast tissue, as well as the cold weather itself, can cause mastitis.
Vasospasm: Blood Vessels in Nipples Constrict and Worsen When Cold
Cold weather can also result in nipple vasospasm. Vasospasm can occur in any body part; blood vessels constrict, or tighten, causing a burning, throbbing pain. Those with low body mass index commonly suffer from vasospasm in cold weather. Nipple vasospasm worsens when it’s cold. It sometimes shows itself with color changes, such as blue, purple, red, or white. If the nipple turns white, it could also indicate Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: Vasoconstriction Causes Nipples to Turn White
Only three to five percent of the United States’ general population experience Raynaud’s phenomenon, according to the Cleveland Clinic website. The body’s small blood vessels undergo vasospastic attacks when exposed to cold weather. The skin on the Raynaud’s phenomenon impacted areas turn white or blue (vasoconstriction) and feel cold or numb. Sometimes, women who experience nipple vasospasm actually have Raynaud’s phenomenon.
To find out more about our services, call Second to Nature in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 366-2711. Stay up-to-date when you like and follow us on Facebook. We’d be glad to further discuss winter weather breast conditions.

March 13, 2026
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Mastectomy

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Mastectomy

Second To Nature Specializes in Mastectomy Education and Prosthetics
Explaining what to expect before, during, and after your mastectomy is our blog topic this month. We specialize in mastectomy education at Second To Nature, so it’s important to us to explain the mastectomy process. Pre-mastectomy, you’ll likely have NPO orders, including no aspirin. Post-mastectomy, you can expect to learn pain management skills and consider prosthetic options.
Pre-Mastectomy, Doctors Usually Order “NPO,” Including OTC Aspirin
Pre-mastectomy, your doctor will probably issue “NPO” orders, which generally includes no aspirin. NPO is an abbreviation for the Latin term “Nil per os.” When you see NPO, it means “nothing by mouth;” no food or liquid, except enough water to swallow necessary medications. If you take a prescription blood-thinning medication, you can’t take it pre-mastectomy. However, if you don’t take a blood-thinning prescription, the doctor will probably include “no aspirin” as a preemptive NPO order.
Why Would a Doctor Say No Aspirin as an NPO Order?
Including “no aspirin” in an NPO order is a safety measure. During surgery, doctors don’t want to risk too much blood leaving the body. Aspirin is a natural blood-thinning medication. Adding “no aspirin” to a pre-mastectomy NPO order reduces the risk of a patient bleeding out during surgery.
Choose from a Double, Skin-Sparing, or a Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
In March of 2022, we explained the various breast cancer surgery options, plus lumpectomy and mastectomy pros and cons. Generally, patients only need one breast removed in a mastectomy. However, many women decide to get a double mastectomy to save their other breast from a recurrence. Mastectomy variations include skin-sparing and nipple-sparing surgeries.
Post-Mastectomy Involves Pain Management and Pondering Prosthetics
After, or post-mastectomy, you can expect to be in some pain, and therefore you’ll need to develop pain management skills. Pain management simply means assessing your level of discomfort, and taking medication as needed. Most doctors suggest taking medication on a regular schedule as part of your pain management regimen. Eventually, your pain management abilities should strengthen, and you’ll need less medication to manage your pain. Besides pain management, you may need to consider prosthetics post-mastectomy.
Achieve Torso Symmetry Post-Mastectomy with a Custom Prosthetic
In November of 2022, we blogged about custom post-mastectomy options available in the MyShape collection by ABC prosthetics. ABC’s MyShape post-mastectomy prosthetics have material that molds shapers and balancers to a post-mastectomy patient’s torso area. For example, ABC’s RFS Amandasil™ silicone back molds to the surgical topography of a post-mastectomy patient’s chest wall.
To find out more about custom breast prosthesis, contact Second To Nature in Roanoke, VA, by calling (540) 366-2711. Receive updates when you like us on Facebook and follow us. We’re also happy to talk more about what to expect before, during, and after your mastectomy.

March 13, 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