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National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in women all over the world. Although it is more common in women, men may also get the disease. In fact, the National Breast Cancer Organization says that an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with the disease and almost 410 will die from it every year. Meanwhile, the disease will affect an estimated 220,000 women in the United States alone, and over 40,000 are expected to die from it.

To address the problem, private and public organizations came up with a full force campaign for breast cancer awareness. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month falls in October every year to boost disease awareness in order to raise funds to research the disease’s cause, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. In addition, women diagnosed with breast cancer also receive support from this campaign. October is the month when cancer charities and organizations hold activities that encourage people to participate and go out in pink.

The NBCAM also provides cancer charities with a platform to increase disease awareness. The campaign encourages women to practice preventive measures for early detection. This is because studies have found that early detection leads to excellent outcomes.

The NBCAM aims to reduce if not totally eradicate breast cancer-related deaths through active campaigns and education. The National Breast Cancer Organization highly recommends people from around the world to continue the awareness campaign not only in October but for the rest of the year as well. Most importantly, joining and supporting the program is not only for women who have had the disease or people who have family members and friends who suffer from breast cancer. It is for everyone who wants to fight and help eliminate this disease.

There are many programs that concerned organizations initiate in order to educate women about the disease. They target people with different areas of concern regarding the disease that include the following.

• Women who do not have the disease yet but worry about it
• Women who have just been diagnosed
• Women who are undergoing treatment
• People who support someone who has just been diagnosed
• Women who are moving forward
• Younger women
• Women with secondary breast cancer or metastases

Supporting the Campaigns

There are different ways to show support for breast cancer awareness campaigns. October is the best time to start the cause. However, it is important to keep the campaign alive and active all the time.

Volunteer

Organizations need more people to help them implement their programs. Anyone can become a volunteer. Volunteers conduct talks, distribute campaign materials, get involved in research and campaigning work, respond to surveys, represent people who have the disease and share their experiences.

Donate

There are many organizations that offer donation options for interested individuals. The funds will be used for research and other campaigns. However, people should make sure they are giving their financial support to a legitimate organization.

Fundraise

Interested individuals can also look for community groups that do fundraising and support awareness programs. Common activities are ticketed concerts, walks or runs and art shows. Some groups sell arts and crafts and ask for donations from others. Many organizations are willing to support fundraisers.

Breast Health Education

Whatever the age, shape or size, it is essential to take care of the breast. There is no single cure for breat cancer today, but early detection can make a big difference. With this, everyone should know the risk factors for the disease.

Age

Women aged 55 and older have the highest risk of developing cancer. However, one out of eight cases are found in women 45 years old and younger.

Gender

The disease is more common among women than men. This is probably because women have high levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone that promote breat cancer cell growth.

Genes

According to studies, about 5 to 10 percent of cases can be linked to a person’s genetic make-up that they inherited directly from parents.

Lifestyle-related Factors

Other factors that can increase the risk of getting the disease include using contraceptive methods like oral pills and depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate, hormonal therapy after menopause, not breastfeeding, alcohol intake, smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity.

Signs and Symptoms

• Breast or nipple pain
• Swelling of all parts of the breast
• Redness, thickening and scaling of breast skin or nipple
• Skin dimpling or irritation
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk

Detection

Self-Breast Examination

SBE is highly recommended for women in their twenties. They should observe this preventive measure every month.

Clinical Breast Exam

Women in their twenties and thirties should undergo clinical breast exams every three years.

Mammogram

Experts recommend annual mammograms for women at the age of 40 and older. This diagnostic test detects almost 80 percent of all breast tumors.

Treatment

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

Prevention

A healthy lifestyle and early detection are the best way to prevent and survive the disease. Women should educate themselves about how to prevent the disease and how they should manage it if they do get it. This is why cancer organizations strive to disseminate accurate educational materials.

Join the cause and save lives today. Bring hope to breast cancer patients and help them overcome their fear.