October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an international campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the second most common cancer in women, with the goal of someday stopping it.
Take a look at these ways to help detect and prevent this common, yet very serious, disease.
Read : 5 FAQs about Breast Cancer
Get regular screenings
Some women are diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing symptoms, but many women with the disease may have no symptoms at all. This is why it’s essential to get regular mammograms.
The recommended age to start getting mammograms ranges from 40 to 50 years old depending on the risk factors. While the suggested age varies, the National Cancer Institute has found that women aged 50 to 69 years who get screening mammograms have a lower chance of dying from breast cancer.
Know the symptoms
Many women are taught to look for new lumps or masses in their breast tissue but it’s important to be aware of other abnormalities. Skin swelling or redness, change in breast shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), pain in or on the breast, and skin flaking or dimpling can be other possible warning signs of breast cancer, according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
These signs are not a surefire indication of breast cancer, though, so be sure to see a doctor to discuss any new changes.
Reduce your risk
While risk factors like genetics and age cannot be avoided, you can take measures to lower your risk of breast cancer mainly by staying healthy.
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The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has several recommendations on how to do this.
The CDC recommends maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and discussing the risks of using oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.
Breastfeeding your children if and when you have them, helps too.
Factors such as older age, dense breasts, genetic mutations, previous treatment using radiation therapy, and a family history of breast cancer may increase your risk of getting breast cancer, according to the CDC.
Read : Breast Cancer Awareness || 5 Meaningful ways To Help Patients This Month!
Pink October has become almost a national holiday, with pink promotions everywhere. Many women will be diagnosed with an early stage of breast cancer, get treated, and then still go on to have a metastatic relapse, and that’s what kills people the most.
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We can always do something to help in anyway that we can. Spread awareness, help cancer patients and remember to get yourself checked too.
Think pink always!
This post was originally posted on cnn
Thank you Ash, this was so helpful 🙂
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Thank you for reading, Mel. Please help spread the word by sharing this post. I’m glad I could help!
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