Awareness is Power
Breast cancer is a disease caused by the development of cancerous cells in the breast. These cancerous cells start by growing and invading healthy cells in the breast. With time, they make their way to other parts of the body via blood or lymph vessels. When this happens, metastasis occurs – a process where cancerous cells start to damage other tissues.
One of the primary reasons for raising breast cancer awareness is that it is the second leading cause of death among women worldwide. While it affects 1 out of 8 women, it only affects 1 out of 1000 men. It mostly affects senior women.
Here are some other facts about breast cancer:
According to several studies, approximately 50% of all diagnosed breast cancer cases are in women over 60.
If a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister) has a history of breast cancer, your risk for developing it almost doubles. Around 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family member who currently has or had the disease in the past.
Breast cancer has no cure, which is why we should focus on early detection instead. Early detection can help you take several steps before the cancer spreads, such as getting a mastectomy or chemotherapy.
Things You Can Do for Breast Cancer Awareness
1. Educate Yourself
Having inaccurate information or not having any information can stand in the way of women receiving the care they require. For this reason, you must do your best to stay updated and seek out accurate information about the disease. Make sure to check multiple sources to educate yourself. Healthcare providers are your best resources for accurate and reliable information, so if you have questions about breast cancer, they can equip you with all essential information.
2. Educate Others
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes the opportunity to start conversations about breast cancer with people around you. Send text messages or emails to women you know, sharing information about the disease. Include informative and accurate links to help educate them. You can also spread awareness on social media and encourage other women to speak with their healthcare providers about breast cancer.
3. Know Your Risk
It is important to understand the difference between relative risk and personal risk for breast cancer. If you are a woman, you have a 12% relative risk, but your personal risk could be much higher. For example, if there’s a history of breast cancer in your family, your personal risk will be much higher. Knowing your personal risk will help you get the assistance and care you need.
4. Schedule a Mammogram
If you are a woman aged 40 years or above, you should get a mammogram every year. The American Medical Association and the National Cancer Institute recommend annual mammograms for women aged 40 and above.
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