Busting the Myths: Everything You Need to Know About Breast Health—and the Campus Tour That’s Talking About It 

Ladies, how well do you know your bodies? The concerning truth is that many of us—especially those who are younger—may not be so confident with the answer. After all, topics concerning women’s health have often been treated as taboo. Even now, our bodies remain stigmatized, our pain dismissed. Critical conversations get overlooked, with breast health being one of them.

Learning about your body isn’t just self-care; it’s self-preservation. With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer, it is crucial more than ever for us to know more about the signs and how to take action. Avon, the country’s leading beauty and intimate apparel brand, has always been committed to empowering women and the youth with that kind of knowledge—starting with this quick guide.

RELATED: Filipinas Came Together During Avon’s #FeelYourself Pink Parade

Bust the Age-Old Myth

Prevention—or in this case, early detection—is always better than the cure. However, the widespread belief that young people cannot contract breast cancer prevents some from getting diagnosed. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as a significant amount of data actually reveal that women in their 20s and 30s are also at risk. Your breast size, shape, the products you use, and the undergarments you wear also do not affect your risk. Breast cancer can happen to anyone. 

Spot the Signs

Feel that lump on your chest? Don’t panic just yet. Swelling and tenderness could be indicative of hormonal fluctuations—which are perfectly normal for women. Make sure to check your cycle first. If something feels different from your usual, it’s time to pay closer attention. Other signs you need to watch out for include changes in texture, irritation, dimpling or puckering of the skin, inverted nipples, unusual nipple discharge, and persistent pain that doesn’t change with your cycle.

Feel Yourself

While clinical exams are the best way to detect breast cancer, it is also a good idea to regularly conduct self-checks to help you determine if something is amiss. It is best to lie on your back when doing this. Using circular motions and applying varying pressures, gently press down on your breasts to feel for lumps, thickened skin, or changes in texture. Watch out for nipple discharge. Don’t forget to check and feel the surrounding areas of the breasts—like the underarms and collarbones—for swelling.

From October to November, We Wear Pink

Talking about breast health isn’t something to be ashamed of. But if you’re still lost or conflicted about this topic, come sit with Avon brand ambassadors Kyline Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Maymay Entrata, and Enchong Dee this Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Feel Yourself Campus Tour. 

The campaign, which first launched in October, aims to empower young students with the knowledge and confidence necessary to take charge of their breast health. If you’re interested in joining the conversation, you can catch the tour at any of the following locations this November: 

● November 7 – University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP)

● November 10 – Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

● November 13 – National University (NU) Manila

● November 14 – De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)

● November 18 – Lemery Colleges

● November 21 – University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD)

● November 28 – West Visayas State University (WVSU)

Beyond this, Avon is also donating a portion of its proceeds to the Philippine Cancer Society. The partnership also extends to the Avon Pink Bus mobile clinic, which brings breast health consultations and screenings more accessible to people.

But apart from empowering women to take ownership of their own body—and health—these efforts also aim to amplify the voices and stories of women who have lived these experiences. As Avon Philippines Head of Communications Marion Limlengco puts it, “When women see themselves reflected in campaigns, when they recognize that the stories come from their own communities, that is when communications create real impact.”

“It’s in these small but powerful acts that real impact begins—because they are the messages women remember, repeat, and rely on,” Limlengco added. She also emphasized how this commitment doesn’t end with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Whether it’s creating safe spaces or sustaining conversations that matter, Avon continues empowers women to feel good about themselves and live their lives—fully and confidently.

Photos and Featured Image: AVON