Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women around the world. As the M Life team and our customers are predominantly women, we feel strongly about the importance of shedding the light on ways that help you cope with the disease beyond the medical treatment.

In this Journal entry, we are sharing resources, communities and charities that do amazing work for those going through breast cancer as well as practices that can help embrace emotions and reduce stress and fatigue.

Do not go it alone

Finding a lump, waiting for a diagnosis and going through treatment can feel daunting and lonely. To avoid spiraling down the route of researching the symptoms on the Internet, lean back on trusted organisations and communities that are there for you every step of the way. 

Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now offer you an extensive list of helpful resources such as support organisations, post-surgery supplies, guides for self-examination, events and many others.

You don't have to and shouldn't go through it by yourself. Start by taking small steps and joining an online community. If you prefer to meet in person or are looking for specialised support, Breast Cancer Haven offers at-home services as well as provides an extensive list of local and national initiatives.

Take care of your mental health

Breast cancer takes its toll on mental health as much as it does on physical health not only while you are receiving the treatment but also years after you get an all-clear. Taking care of your mental health will help you sleep and recover better and feel confident and comfortable.

Self-care can take many shapes and forms: counseling, connecting to support groups, art therapy, yoga and meditation and many others. Find what works for you, embrace the emotions but don't allow them to interfere with your healing process.

3 ways yoga helps with breast cancer 

Gentle movement, nervous-system soothing breathwork and mind-calming meditation can help you feel more like yourself as you go through and recover from the treatment.

• Reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Slow, deep and cleansing breath practices such as Nadi Shodhana, Box breathing, Lion's breath and 4-7-8 breath are proven to activate our parasympathetic nervous system. Do 10 rounds of your chosen breath technique and feel at ease. 
• Sleep better with the help of daily meditation or yoga Nidra practice. If you are new to it, choose from many pre-recorded options on Insight Timer, Feel Better or Headspace apps. Set aside 10-20 minutes each evening for yourself, get comfortable and cosy and allow your mind to rest and reset.
• Move to feel good. Gentle physical exercise will help release muscle tension, get your blood flowing, stimulate your body's natural defenses and release endorphins contributing to your overall feeling of well-being.

There are many gentle yoga poses that are perfect to soothe the nervous system of those going through breast cancer. Here are some of them:

• Child’s pose
• Standing forward bend
• Legs up the wall
• Corpse pose 

How we are getting involved 

To support this cause and encourage women to get their breasts checked, we decided to take action by offering a 25% discount on all sports bras this October. 10% of the proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Now, a charity that supports everyone who is affected by breast cancer by providing them with the best treatment and care they require. 

Purchase a bra. Give your support.