Whilst October is a month of festivity it is also a month of awareness and more specifically, Breast Cancer Awareness. In their recent publication for Breast Cancer Awareness, Breast Cancer Care revealed that 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is startling to think that directly or indirectly; breast cancer will impact our lives in some way. So, whatever your age, size or shape it is important to take care of your breasts. October is the month to really raise awareness and funds for breast cancer in order to continue to provide care for those in need and to help supply the means for constant research into treatments and cures.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is all about educating people about the symptoms and treatment of Breast Cancer; what to look out for and how to check yourself. This is where Her Campus wants to help, by giving our readers the knowledge of how to check their breasts and what the warning signs are. The number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing, however, recent statistics are encouraging and the survival rates are improving. Breast cancer is not one single disease; in fact, there are several types of breast cancer. It’s also important to note that not all breast cancer appears as a lump and not all breast lumps are cancer.
Her Campus wants you to remain Breast Aware this month a simple way of doing so is through this five-point code:
- Know what is normal for you.
- Know what to look and feel for
- Look and feel.
- Tell your GP about any changes straight away.
- Go for breast screening when invited.
(Source: Department of Health, 2009)
The only way to monitor your breasts is to really get to know them! Once you’ve gotten used to looking at and feeling your breasts you will be able to detect any changes you may find. After all, supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness Month believe that an earlier detection of breast cancer can potentially lead to a higher long-term survival rate. Some changes you should look for are; changes in size or shape, changes in skin texture, a lump or thickening of breast tissue, any redness or a rash on the skin, constant pain in breast or armpit and swelling in the armpit/collarbone region. Her Campus recommends checking your breasts once a month. Whilst these are changes to look out for, some of these symptoms may be completely unrelated to breast cancer however, if you are worried it’s important to see you GP as soon as you can.
There are also numerous events throughout the month of October that you can get involved in to help raise awareness:
- The big ‘WomenOnly Run’ organised by Breast Cancer Care, takes place on 19th October in the surroundings of Richmond Park in London in order to help support those living with breast cancer.
- This October Breast Cancer Care are encouraging people to organise a fun pink activity at work or school to raise awareness. Visit www.breastcancercare.org/pinkfridays for more information.
- In both London and Scotland, 44 men and women who have all been diagnosed with breast cancer will be walking a catwalk at these two glamorous events!
These are just some of the many, many events happening throughout the month of October. If you are looking for any further information visit www.breastcancercare.org
Picture Credits: www.naijastories.com, www.pinterest.com