Ep 16 | Why Fondling Your Breasts Could Save Your Life (And How to Do It Right) with Gina Lamanna

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What if regularly fondling your breasts could not only save your life but also be a powerful act of self-love?

As women, we often have a complex relationship with our breasts. They're a source of nurture, pleasure, and femininity, but they can also be a source of anxiety, especially when it comes to breast cancer.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Gina Lamanna, a fashion stylist, entrepreneur, mother, and breast cancer survivor. Her personal story of self-detection at age 41 inspired her to launch the Fondle Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to championing survivorship and prevention in breast health.

Gina's mission is to remove the stigma of breast cancer, rewrite the narrative of breast health, and inspire women to know and connect with their bodies.

The Power of Intuition and Self-Advocacy

Gina's journey began when she felt something wasn't right with her breast, despite having clear mammograms and ultrasounds.

"I kept feeling something in my right breast," she shared. "I brought it to my doctor's attention. She didn't see anything suspicious, but I said, 'No disrespect to you, but I'm newly single, I have two young girls, something isn't feeling right to me.'"

This intuition led Gina to push for further testing, eventually resulting in her breast cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the crucial importance of trusting your body and advocating for yourself.

Key takeaways for self-advocacy:

• Trust your intuition if something feels off

• Don't be afraid to ask for additional tests or second opinions

• Keep detailed records of your medical history and imaging

The Art of Fondling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gina advocates for regular breast self-exams, which she playfully refers to as "fondling." Here's a quick guide to doing it right:

1. Visual inspection: Stand in front of a mirror and look for any changes in size, shape, or skin texture.

2. Feel for changes: Use three fingers to apply light, medium, and firm pressure in a circular motion.

3. Cover all areas: Check your entire breast, from your collarbone to your abdomen, and don't forget your armpits.

4. Be consistent: Aim to do this at least once a month, ideally at the same time in your menstrual cycle.

Remember, fondling isn't just about checking for lumps. It's about getting to know your breasts and what's normal for you. As Gina puts it, "It's about self-love and loving ourselves and loving our bodies."

Beyond Early Detection: Empowerment and Self-Love

The Fondle Project isn't just about early detection; it's about empowering women to love and care for their bodies. This is especially important for those going through breast cancer treatment, which can significantly impact a woman's self-image.

"When a woman loses her breasts like I did, women lose their hair going through chemo radiation, your skin's burned red, hormonal treatment, you gained weight, your body just changes so much," Gina explained. "I recognize that women were really struggling, including myself, with their confidence and their self-esteem."

Through the Fondle Project, Gina uses her skills as a fashion stylist to help women feel beautiful and confident during and after treatment. She emphasizes that cancer doesn't define who we are and that our scars are just as beautiful.

Ways to practice self-love during breast health journey:

• Invest in comfortable, beautiful clothing that makes you feel good

• Practice positive self-talk and affirmations

• Surround yourself with a supportive community

Normalizing Conversations About Breast Health

One of Gina's key missions is to normalize conversations about breast health, especially with younger women. "I think we really have to teach our daughters and the younger generation younger women... to love herself, and to love her body as it is, that it's strong, and it's capable," she said.

By making breast self-exams a regular part of our self-care routine and openly discussing breast health, we can help remove the stigma and empower the next generation of women to take control of their health.

Tips for talking about breast health:

• Start conversations early, in an age-appropriate way

• Focus on self-love and body positivity

• Lead by example by practicing regular self-exams

The Future of Breast Health Awareness

The Fondle Project represents a fresh, modern approach to breast health awareness. It's not just about wearing pink ribbons once a year; it's about fostering a continuous, empowering conversation about women's health and self-love.

As Gina puts it, "If I save one woman's life, I've served my purpose." By embracing the art of fondling and spreading the message of self-love and body awareness, we can all play a part in rewriting the narrative of breast health.

Remember, your breasts are uniquely yours. Get to know them, love them, and most importantly, fondle them regularly. It could save your life - and it might just feel good too.

Guest information:

Gina Lamanna is a fashion stylist, entrepreneur, and breast cancer survivor who founded The Fondle Project. With 25 years of experience empowering women through style, Gina's personal battle with breast cancer at 41 inspired her to champion early detection and self-love. The Fondle Project combines fashion and health advocacy, encouraging women to know their bodies and feel confident throughout their breast health journey.

To learn more about the Fondle Project and support their mission, visit thefondleproject.org. Follow them on Instagram@ https://www.instagram.com/thefondleproject/