October is such a transition month.  We begin the month with summer-like days still lingering, with some 80 degree afternoons and beautiful beach days, but few beach-goers.

We end the month deep into Fall.  Leaves have turned and many have already fallen.  We celebrate Halloween (keep an eye open for our spooky sale later this month).

October is also National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At JAVA Skin Care, as a women-owned and run business,  women’s health issues are always of highest concern to us. We are acutely aware of the battles faced by so many women – as well as men- who are fighting for their lives every day with Breast Cancer. We would like to share some facts and links to breast cancer information as part of our support of this very important annual worldwide campaign:

WearItPInk tells us:

“The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. So it’s important to check your breasts regularly and see your GP if you notice a change.

Common breast cancer signs and symptoms include:

• a lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit – you might feel the lump but not see it
• a change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
• a change in the color of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
• a change to the nipple, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
• rash or crusting around the nipple
• any unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
• changes in size or shape of the breast” ¹

…and, from The American Cancer Society:

“How Common Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. Currently, the average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 12%. This means there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. This also means there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never have the disease. 

Current year estimates for breast cancer

The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2019 are: 

• About 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. 
• About 62,930 new cases of carcinoma in situ (CIS) will be diagnosed (CIS is non-invasive and is the earliest form of breast cancer). 
• About 41,760 women will die from breast cancer.” ²

“There are some things that might be risk factors for breast cancer, but the research is not yet clear about whether they really affect breast cancer risk.

A great deal of research has been reported and more is being done to understand possible environmental influences on breast cancer risk.

Chemicals in the environment that have estrogen-like properties are of special interest. For example, substances found in some plastics, certain cosmetics and personal care products, pesticides, and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) seem to have such properties. In theory, these could affect breast cancer risk.” ³

Here are some links for more information:

American Cancer Society

Healthfinder.gov

WearItPink.org

GloriaGemma.org

Breast Cancer Action warns of possible link between cancer and cosmetics:

“Many cosmetics contain chemicals known as parabens and phthalates, which recent studies indicate may be linked to cancer development…

… Many diseases like cancer, asthma, birth defects, and learning disabilities are on the rise, and growing evidence indicates that these health problems are linked to the chemicals we are exposed to in our air, water, food, and everyday products. It’s time we start acting to protect human health.” ⁴

At JAVA Skin Care, we believe that everything we put on our bodies can make a difference in our overall health . Our skin is our largest organ and it is responsible for keeping every other organ and other parts protected. It is also porous, and as such, absorbs many of the products that we lather on. For this reason, we only use non-toxic, all-natural ingredients in every one of our JAVA Skin Care products. If you have concerns about what you are putting on your body, then check us out.

This month, we are offering our Wonderbar Soaps at 20% off. Get yourself a healthy, moisturizing clean!

Breast Cancer touches all of us, whether it is through our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers or more directly, ourselves.  Together, through research, awareness, education, and early detection, we will make a difference and a cure will be found.

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¹ https://www.wearitpink.org/about/breast-cancer-awareness-month

² https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html

³ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/factors-with-unclear-effects-on-breast-cancer-risk.html

⁴ https://bcaction.org/our-take-on-breast-cancer/environment/safe-cosmetics/