Breast Cancer Awareness: The Significance of October and Beyond

Breast Cancer Awareness: Significance of October

October has been celebrated as the breast cancer awareness month since the eighties. In order to increase awareness of the significance of prevention and routine screening for the early diagnosis of breast cancer, people all around the world wear pink ribbons and adopt the color pink, which is why it is also known as Pink October. The pink ribbon is used as a symbol of bravery in the face of breast cancer, optimism for the future, and altruism of individuals and organizations who, against all odds, fight breast cancer with everything they have.

In the 1990s, the main symbol of support was the pink ribbon. The pink movement and the color are no longer limited to the ribbons. People use pink in clothes, bracelets, etc., to show support. Some world-renowned landmarks, such as Niagara Falls, Sydney Opera House, etc., have been illuminated in pink to show support and raise awareness.

The efforts to raise awareness through the campaigns of pink ribbon were highly successful by appealing to the sympathetic side of the public. These efforts have been successful to the point that women in North Africa now consider the risk of breast cancer to be a more significant and concerning threat than the risk of heart disease. However, the data shows vice versa to be true. It is just the efforts of these programs that have led to this awareness.

Criticisms of the Awareness Month

This program undoubtedly has helped make people aware of breast cancer, diagnosis, and treatment. However, like any other event, this has been slowly commercialized. This overcommercialisation receives criticism. Critics believe that the movement has been converted into a mammography test moth, and the only focus now is to encourage women to go under mammography instead of having meaningful conversations about the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of breast cancer. They say that people are even sharing misleading information about mammography as the solution for breast cancer prevention.

Symptoms of breast cancer

• Lumps in the breast

• Lumps and swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone

• Unusual thickening and dimpling of the breast skin

• Inverted nipple

• Nipple discharge

• Change in the colour of the skin

• alterations to the breast's size and form

• Crusty nipple

• Reddened, orange peel-like skin

• Pain in breast

Risk factors for breast cancer

Many factors pose risks of breast cancer. The exact cause of any case of breast cancer cannot be determined. However, some factors increase the chances of the development of breast cancer significantly. We can understand these factors by dividing them into 2 parts: Genetic and environmental.

Genetic Risk Factors

Gender: Women (as assigned at birth) are nearly always at greater risk.

Age: After the age of 40, the risk of developing breast cancer increases, reaching its highest after the age of 70.

Race: Compared to other races, Caucasian women have experienced a higher incidence of breast cancer.

Family history: Individuals who have a family history of breast cancer are more vulnerable.

Previous instance of breast cancer: The likelihood of developing breast cancer again is increased if you have already had it.

Early menstruation: Starting the mensuration cycle prior to turning 12 increases the chances of breast cancer.

Late menopause: Continuation of the mensuration cycle after the age of 55 increases the chances of breast cancer.

Changes in the genome: Certain gene mutations can raise the risk of breast cancer.

Dense breast tissues: Having dense breast tissue can raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer and also make it more challenging to detect any lumps.

Environmental risk factors

• Lack of Physical activity

• Poor diet

• Alcohol consumption

• Obesity or being overweight

• Radiation to the breast/chest

• Combined hormone replacement therapy

Awareness steps

• Keeping your health in check for breast cancer:

• Knowledge of breast density is necessary; ask your doctor if you have breast density.

• Learn your family history and find out if any person in your family has/has had breast cancer.

• Get a mammogram test done annually.

• Doing a self-examination of your breast every month is essential. It will help you become familiar with yourself, and you will be able to notice any changes in your breasts.

Other important things to do:

• Try to figure out what exact percentage of the profit goes into breast cancer awareness and research when brands say a portion of the profit goes to breast cancer research and awareness.

• Connect with breast cancer communities on social media.

• Try to be a support for your family member or friend suffering from breast cancer.

• Participate in or organize a breast cancer research fundraiser.

• The month of October can be exhausting and challenging for some people. It can bring out painful memories for them. It is okay for them to feel relaxed and happy when the month is over, so do not be upset with them if they express these feelings in front of you.

Where to buy breast cancer medications?

You can Buy Breast Cancer Drugs Online. Online pharmacies from Canada are less expensive and provide us with medications of the same quality as in the US.  They have most of the medicines available, including Breast Cancer Medication Tablets. You should visit online pharmacies to save time, money, and energy.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a chronic disease that affects millions. The best hope of survival is through early diagnosis. Early detection saves lives and lowers the tumor's growth potential. Awareness month started with the same purpose in mind. It was focused on informing women about breast cancer, the severity of breast cancer and the dangers it poses, diagnosis, self-examinations, and treatment. The efforts were successful; women started taking care of themselves, performing monthly self-examinations, and going through mammography annually, resulting in many more cases being diagnosed in earlier stages.