It’s clear that the pink ribbons have been floating around more than usual. For those wondering why this is so, October is the official breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women, after skin cancer. And though breast cancer patients are living more due to improvements in detection, treatment, and awareness, it’s still a major issue for women — an issue that can be avoided if not detected early to try and find a solution as quick as possible.
What are some of the basics when it comes to breast cancer?
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Early detection and treatment are two key points.
When you catch any abnormalities in time, it gives you a better advantage. Starting by self evaluating is always a good way to go. Who knows better your body than yourself?
2. Noticing symptoms
Changes in the breast or nipple, any changes to their appearance or any kind of discharge should always be signs to be taken seriously and prompt to head over to the doctor.
3. Physical changes
Always make sure to feel for any kinds of lumps or abnormalities in the breast. Anything that feels out of place should also be reason for a visit to the doctor.
4. Clinical exams
Where a nurse or a doctor performs the exam and a diagnosis is reached.
What are some of the things that cause/elevate the risk of breast cancer?
Genetic factors like family history and age, but things that can be controlled liked, a sedentary life style, weight gain, excessive and continuous consumption of alcohol, poor diet, radiation to the chest and combined hormone replacement therapy are often factors that elevate the risk of obtaining breast cancer.
What does not cause breast cancer?
Contrary to popular belief, things like wearing underwire bras, implants, deodorants, antiperspirants, mammograms, caffeine, plastic food serving items, microwaves, or cell phones do not cause breast cancer. Consider those myths, busted!
Breast cancer is divided from 1 to 5 stages, which determine the growth of the tumor. The stages that best represent the survival rate are stages 1 through 3, so this means that even after being a little late for detection, hope is still possible. Breast cancer only happens to about 7% of women under 40, but being alert always offers the chance for a better opportunity to fight it.
A couple of familiar and popular women who have come face to face with breast cancer are Sheryl Crow, Cynthia Nixon, Robin Roberts, Guiliana Rancic, Kylie Minogue, and, though Angelina Jolie did not suffer from cancer, she did, however, decide to go under surgery to remove both of her breasts, due to the cancer history in the family, diminishing her risk.
Let’s not focus only on “saving the tatas” like we often see around, but direct our focus to ourselves and to other women, to be able to provide support, education and awareness to something that can be prevented. Let’s save ourselves and the women behind the tatas. So, how can you help this cause? In Puerto Rico we have Susan G. Komen, Sociedad Americana Contra el cancer, and Cabecitas Rapadas which are always looking for volunteers and people who are able to create awareness. From donating to educating, there is always something that can be done to help this cause and the people in need.
Information gathered from:
- http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/
- http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-young-women
- http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-survival-by-stage
- http://www.healthline.com/
- http://www.metro.pr/plus/organizaciones-que-luchan-diariamente-contra-el-cancer/pGXmjh!rH16sFvOauQQ/