Boobs. Everybody has them. Yet, breasts are still somewhat of a taboo topic. Much like cannabis, the conversation around breasts can still be a touchy subject. With 1 in 8 women likely to get breast cancer in their lifetime, it’s clear that we should be paying more attention! 

That’s where the CHECK YOURSELF campaign comes in. In the first-of-its-kind collaborative campaign, Kiva and the top cannabis retailers in California have teamed up to launch a limited-edition, live resin Lost Farm Passionfruit gummy to raise funds and awareness for the Keep A Breast Foundation. 

Keep A Breast is a 501c3 nonprofit devoted to breast cancer prevention through education and the promotion of regular self exams with the use of their app. When it comes to cancer (and cannabis), knowledge is power. You can check yourself in the same amount of time it takes to get high with Keep A Breast’s new app, more information available here.

In the spirit of clearing the air on breast cancer, here are some lesser known facts that just may help you save a life:

1. Female breast cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States and the second most common form of cancer in women (National Cancer Institute). 
2. White women have the highest incidence rate for breast cancer but Black women have the highest death rate. This discrepancy speaks to the lack of access to healthcare, screenings and education available to Black women in America and emphasizes the importance of awareness (U.S Centers for Disease Control & Prevention).
3. All men have breast tissue that can become cancerous. Men also face a higher mortality rate than women due to lack of awareness of signs and symptoms (American Cancer Society).
4. Natural risk factors that increase a person’s risk of getting breast cancer are genetics, race, age, breast density and early menstruation. However, 90% of breast cancer cases are likely caused by lifestyle and environmental factors (American Cancer Society).
5. 40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump (John Hopkins Medical Center). This means that almost half of breast cancer cases are discovered by women themselves through self-checking their breasts. 

If you’re old enough to consume cannabis, you’re old enough to be diagnosed with breast cancer. While the statistics can seem frightening, early detection and prevention allows for a 98% 5-year survival rate. 

Learn more about CHECK YOURSELF online atCheckYourself.funraise.org and consider making a donation to their great work!

Donate!https://checkyourself.funraise.org