As October is coming to an end, we want to shed the light on a topic of great significance that you should be aware of, not just this month but all year long.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and before it comes to an end, we want to remind you of why early detection is everything!
The annual international campaign that takes place every October aims at educating more women about breast cancer, as well as raising funds for further research to study the illness.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with at least 2.1 million women affected each year and the aim here is to limit this number as much as possible!
Risk factors include a family history of breast cancer and genetic mutations. Some harmful habits like smoking and obesity could be of lifestyle factors.
The good news is that most women can beat the cancer if it’s detected and treated early. What follows is what you need to know about the sickness and early diagnosis.
Beat the Disease With Early Diagnosis
Screening and early detections can help you beat the disease. It’s crucial to do exams and tests before even showing any symptoms, you don’t want to wait for them to show.
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when breast cancer is detected early and hasn’t spread to anywhere else in the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99 percent.
The cancer found during these early screenings are more likely to minimal and still to confined to the breast. The next step would be to determine the size of the cancer and how far it has spread to predict the prognosis (outlook) of a woman with this disease.
What Should You Do?
Make no excuses! Talk to health care providers about the risk factors, understand the frequency of receiving mammograms, and it’s your role to advice older family members to do screenings and tests.
Lower your risk of getting the cancer by staying within a healthy weight and be physically active. Avoid alcohol and choose to breast-feed, quit smoking and vaping.
How To Perform a Breast Self-Exam?
In the shower, in front of a mirror or laying down, use the flats of your 3 middle fingers and check the entire beast along with the armpit area, press down with light, medium, and firm pressure.
Check both breasts each month feeling for any lump, thickening, hardened knot, or any other breast changes.
If you or someone you care about want to do an early checkup, visit Baheya’s Facebook page to learn more about the foundation.