I could not let the month end without acknowledging Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now is the perfect time to take a moment and learn more about it! Just a little background about Breast Cancer Awareness Month; it was created in back 1985 to promote screening and awareness of the disease and to raise research funds.
Breast cancer awareness is a crucial aspect of women’s health, empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, after going in for a regular visit, she later received the news. A few of the main signs of breast cancer are commonly a lump in the breast or underarm, skin irritation on your breast, persistent breast pain, nipple discharge other than breast milk, and breast size or shape change.
This disease affects 1 in 8 women, and 1 in every 38 women will lose her life to this disease. 50% of all breast cancer cases are in women over 60. Although it’s not as common as it is with women, breast cancer affects men too. Approximately 1 out of 1 000 men are affected by this disease.
Here are five key facts to enhance your understanding and promote breast cancer awareness:
Early Detection Saves Lives:
Understanding the importance of early detection is paramount. Regular breast self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms are vital tools for identifying potential issues at an early, more treatable stage. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery. DO NOT WAIT!!
Know Your Risk Factors:
Awareness begins with understanding personal risk factors. While being a woman and aging are primary risk factors, knowing your family history, reproductive history, and lifestyle choices can help assess your individual risk. This knowledge enables proactive measures and more informed discussions with healthcare professionals.
Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle:
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute significantly to breast cancer prevention. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol consumption are lifestyle choices that can positively impact overall health and potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Be Breast Self-Aware:
Beyond routine self-exams, being breast self-aware involves recognizing any changes in your breasts, such as lumps, pain, or skin changes. If you suspect that something is wrong, get it checked out. Regular self-awareness fosters a proactive approach to breast health.
Advocate for Regular Screenings:
Encourage those around you to prioritize regular breast cancer screenings. Advocate for awareness campaigns and support initiatives that promote accessible screenings for all. Early detection not only improves individual outcomes but contributes to broader community health.
In conclusion, breast cancer awareness is a shared responsibility. Going through the many difference phases with my mother was extremely emotional, especially with radiation and chemotherapy where we felt completely helpless. Watching her body transition and her endure pain while still keeping our faith was a struggle for our entire family. Today, I am proud to say that my mom is cancer free, healthy, and beautiful as ever. Empower yourself and those you care about with knowledge, fostering a community dedicated to early detection, prevention, and support for individuals affected by breast cancer. You can never be too sure, if you have any suspicion or doubt, go to the doctor.
