October is a month filled with mixed emotions of joy, support, festivals, and a terrorizing reminder to breast cancer survivors and people who are still fighting it. It's a month of mixed emotions as, for some, it might be a reminder of the pain and horrors of the brutal disease, but for some, it's a testament to courage, a tap on the back that if you can defeat this disease, you can do anything.
Pink October is the breast care awareness month designated to raise awareness and educate people about this dangerous disease. October 19th is International Breast Cancer Day, but to emphasize the importance of the matter, the entire month of October is observed as the breast care awareness month.
Pink color and pink ribbons are associated with the disease. It's a simple and effective campaign that has been able to create a significant impact in spreading awareness and raising money to fund the research to stop breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is a disease where the tissues in the milk duct grow abnormally to the extent that they cause a tumor. The initial state where cancer tissues are contained is called non-invasive cancer, which is not fatal and can be cured completely.
In the second stage, cancer tissues start spreading to the adjacent tissues and multiplying the risk factor. This is called invasive cancer, and if not contained immediately, it can be fatal. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world, surpassing lung cancer. 2.2 million new breast cancer cases were recorded in 2020, and it was estimated that almost 300,000 women will be affected by the disease only in the United States alone.
Even though the risk of breast cancer is shallow in men 1 in 833 compared to women, 1 in 8 2800 men are expected to be diagnosed with this disease in 2023. On the fatality count, 684,996 women died globally from breast cancer, and around 43,000 more are expected to lose the fight against cancer this year, along with 530 men.
The positive news is that the death rate from breast cancer has dialed down an impressive 43% in 2020, and it's continuously coming down. The breast cancer movement pink ribbons and Pink October as the awareness month has a lot to do with these impressive numbers.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer has several symptoms ranging from very uncomfortable pain to entirely unnoticeable. In the initial stage of the disease, the symptoms are almost indiscernible and start to agitate the victims as the problem starts to get out of hand. Symptoms of breast cancer are as follows,
- Painless lump on the breast, only noticeable to touch.
- The size or the shape of the breast or nipples starts to change.
- Rashes or redness of the breast.
- Lump near or in the armpit.
- Abnormal discharge from nipples.
- Dimpling or denting of the breast.
Women are the primary victims of breast cancer, but it can develop in older men as well. Breast cancer is likely to develop in women over 40 years of age, suffering from obesity, drinking alcohol, smoking, radiation exposure, reproductive problems or regression with age, and most importantly, if someone in your close family mother, sister has it.
How to detect Breast cancer initially?
Breast cancer is a curable disease with millions of survivors around the world. The key is to detect the problem early. The most significant point of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to educate and encourage people to conduct regular self-examinations and visit a professional medical practitioner every now and then.
For the self-examination,
- Stand in front of a mirror and touch your breast while closely examining any lumps or abnormalities.
- Look for the change of color or shape from the last examination.
- Document your findings.
- If you feel any change, even a little, consult a general medical practitioner or your family doctor immediately.
How to prevent breast cancer?
"Prevention is better than cure" is a million dollar piece of advice. Breast cancer is a preventable problem with little lifestyle changes. If you have someone close in your family suffering from or surviving breast cancer, you must be focusing on a healthy lifestyle.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer. Managing a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular physical activity can reduce this risk.
2. Exercise Regularly
Engaging in physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day has been shown to lower breast cancer risk. Even moderate-intensity activities like walking can be beneficial.
3. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women can lower the risk.
4. Quit Smoking
Smoking has been associated with various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk and provide other health benefits.
5. Breastfeed, if Possible
Breastfeeding for several months may reduce the risk of breast cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protective effect.
6. Limit Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy used during menopause has been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Limiting the duration of HRT or seeking alternatives can help reduce this risk.
7. Be Aware of Family History
Genetic predispositions can significantly influence breast cancer risk. Knowing your family’s history and considering genetic counseling may be helpful if there are close relatives with breast cancer.
8. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, red meat, and sugary foods can contribute to overall health and potentially reduce cancer risk.
9. Regular Screening and Self-Exams
Regular mammograms, clinical breast exams, and self-examinations can help detect breast cancer early. Early detection improves treatment outcomes and increases survival rates.
10. Limit Exposure to Radiation and Environmental Pollutants
Some forms of radiation, such as those used in medical imaging, and exposure to harmful chemicals found in the environment have been linked to increased cancer risk. Reducing unnecessary exposure to these factors can help.
By incorporating these lifestyle changes and being proactive about health, individuals can take significant steps to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
How to spread breast cancer awareness?
The pink ribbon movement has contributed massively to educating people about the causes and prevention of breast cancer and encouraging people to self-examine.
If you want to be a part of the movement, here are the ways to do it,
- Educate your employees about the disease and promote self-examination. Share educational literature with them.
- Display posters and graphical guides on the agenda board and in the common room, like the cafeteria or the activity room.
- Organize doctor visits and educational sessions in your workspace
- Offer flexible working hours and allow employees to work from the comfort of their home when they can't travel.
- Offer medical assistance along with paid leave to show your support and encouragement.
- Show them your support by offering gym memberships, wellness programs for prevention
- Participate in events being organized around you with your employees, such as races, marathons, bake-offs, etc.
- Organize charity events to educate your audience and encourage them to share your content.
- Create a supportive environment for employees suffering from the disease or taking care of their loved ones suffering from it.
Conslusion
As we move through 2024, the fight against breast cancer remains more important than ever. With advancements in research, improved screening methods, and increasing awareness, we are better equipped to detect and treat this disease early. However, the journey is far from over. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed, prioritize regular check-ups, and understand the signs and risk factors associated with breast cancer.
Together, we can continue to support those affected by the disease, advocate for greater access to healthcare, and contribute to the ongoing push for a cure. By spreading awareness, we not only empower ourselves but also others, fostering a community where no one fights alone. Remember, early detection saves lives—let’s make 2024 a year of action and hope.