[October is Breast Cancer awareness month, so CollegeCandy thought it was important to bring you all the information you need to protect yourself. Come back tomorrow for more important facts about prevention, therapy and other knowledge to keep you healthy.]

While breast cancer is uncommon in women under the age of 35, the risk of it increases as a woman grows older. There is also some evidence to suggest that young African American women are at greater risk for breast cancer than young Caucasian women. No matter who you are, you will be affected by breast cancer during the course of your life in one way or another.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself now.

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Mammography screening is the best available method to detect breast cancer, but due to the high levels of radiation, doctors don’t recommend them to people under the age of 40. Your next best bet? Clinical and self examination.

The American Cancer Society urges women in their 20s and 30s to have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as a part of their regular professional health exam. The most common signs of breast cancer are a lump in the breast, abnormal thickening of the breast, or a change in the shape or color of the breast. Keep in mind that finding a lump does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. If you notice something abnormal, talk to your doctor ASAP. Read More »

I know, I know, sorry to get all serious on you, but I came across some shocking information today that relates to many college girls. According to BBC news, a new study has come out regarding binge drinking and how it can increase your risk for developing breast cancer.

The article stated that, “Women who drink the equivalent of roughly two bottles of wine over a weekend more than double their risk of breast cancer, say Danish researchers.”

Maybe I have a warped view, but the equivalent of two bottles of wine over the course of a whole weekend in college doesn’t actually seem like that much…and that’s all it takes to DOUBLE your risk?

The study was done on 17,647 nurses and those who drank 22-27 drinks a week had twice the risk of breast cancer, compared with others who only had one to three drinks.

The risk was also greatest when drinks were consumed in a short period of time. Um, can we say power hour? Read More »