How to Take Part in Breast Cancer Awareness Month

1 October 2021

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Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, and millions of people around the world have survived it. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, breast cancer affects 2.3 million women worldwide in 2020 and killed 685,000 people. It also became the most common kind of cancer in the globe for women in the year 2020, with 7.8 million women having been diagnosed in the previous five years.

One can develop breast cancer when cells in the breast proliferate uncontrollably. Through blood and lymph channels, it may spread outside of the breast. It's called metastasizing when breast cancer has reached distant areas of the body.

1. Know the risk factors and help increase awareness.

The most frequent risk factors for breast cancer are linked to our lifelong exposure to estrogen. These risk factors are exacerbated by our diet and way of life. One of the most effective strategies to reduce your risk of breast cancer is to concentrate your preventive efforts on those risk factors that can be changed, while also keeping track of the ones you can't.

Understanding the cause and taking care of our health can help prevent the most common cancer among women.

Let’s take a look at your life habits or risk factors that you can control:

Alcohol Consumption

Every drink you take increases your chance of developing breast cancer. American Cancer Society data show an elevated risk of breast cancer of 7 to 10 percent for women who drink one alcoholic beverage per day compared to women who don't drink, and this risk rises to 20 percent for women who consume two to three alcoholic beverages per day.

How to reduce this risk factor:

Drinking moderately is defined as no more than one drink per day, on the part of women in particular. Instead of drinking every day, try having a drink once or twice a week instead. Also, pay attention to how much alcohol you consume: In the United States, a normal drink contains 14 grams of alcohol, which is equal to 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. Even if you just have one drink, if you're using a large glass, it's like having two.

Being overweight or obese

Being overweight or obese after menopause is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. After menopause, your ovaries cease producing estrogen, therefore the majority of your estrogen comes from adipose tissue. Estrogen is produced in greater quantities by people who are obese, and estrogen is known to feed some breast tumors and accelerate their growth. Aside from this, weight gain in women has also been related to higher insulin levels which may result in an increased risk of breast cancer and diabetes.

How to reduce this risk factor:

See if you can work with a nutritionist to develop a weight-reduction plan that includes enough fresh fruits and vegetables so it would be easier to maintain them. Being in good physical shape is very beneficial. There is a significant reduction in breast cancer risk for women over 50 who lose weight and keep it that way. And when you lose weight, your risk goes down. The risk of breast cancer was decreased by 13% for women who lost between 4.4 and 10 pounds, by 16% for those who lost between 10 and 20 pounds, and by 26% for those who lost more than 20 pounds, according to major research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Inactive lifestyle

This one is pretty simple to explain, you could have a greater chance of breast cancer if you live a sedentary lifestyle.

How to reduce this risk factor:

Physical activity may help you avoid illnesses like breast cancer and others, as well as help you lose weight. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate level exercise, like brisk walking, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, like jogging, per week, according to the American Cancer Society. The advantages grow in direct proportion to your level of physical exercise. But before planning to start any heavy workout, it’s best to consult your doctor first before making significant changes to your workout routine.

2. Celebrate awareness month.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the globe. In addition to pink ribbons and charity money-raising events, there is a lot more going on this month. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have an opportunity to pause and think. So, in an effort to raise awareness about this event, here are some of the facts about the Pink Month.

Be involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and join activities of government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

October has been dubbed "Pink Month" as part of a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer. The Pink Month is a time when organizations make special efforts to educate the public about breast cancer and the early warning signs and symptoms connected with it.

Pink ribbons are worn all year long during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October to celebrate survivors, remember those who have lost their battle with the illness, and to show support for the progress we are making together in the fight against breast cancer.

This year, everyone is encouraged to wear pink on October 22, Friday and help the breast cancer charity and organization to raise funds and contribute to the advancement of life-saving breast cancer research and life-improving treatment options.

3. Raise awareness about early detection.

Nowadays, women are more prepared than ever to cope with a breast cancer diagnosis since they are more knowledgeable of the warning signals and the significance of self-examination, second views and treatment choices. Because of newer therapies and enhanced screening techniques that catch malignancies in their earliest stages, survival rates continue to rise.

This is why it is important to self-check our breasts, especially for women. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family to self-examine their breasts for early identification of severe instances of breast cancer to support women and engagement for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

Early detection and prevention of the disease can save lives.

For self-examination for breast abnormalities, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1. Take a look in the mirror and see if anything has changed.

Step 2. Underarm swelling or odd breast skin rashes should be reported to your doctor, as should any skin redness, nipple bleeding, changes in size, or curving.

Step 3. See if there are any breast or underarm lumps or swelling.

Step 4. Lie down and perform a circular massage on your breasts.

Step 5. Check for lumps in your breast with one hand under your head and three fingers of the other hand applied lightly to your breast.

Step 6. The ideal time to self-check for breast abnormalities is three days following the end of the menstrual cycle, and this should be done once a month.

4. Take time to read or listen to stories of breast cancer survivors.

The dissemination of breast cancer facts may help to raise awareness and help control breast cancer. However, when it comes to your own health concerns, such as your chance of breast cancer, you should speak with your doctor. Preventative measures such as regular checkups, breast self-examinations, and early detection of any lumps or abnormalities found in the breast are critical. Women over the age of 40 should begin having annual mammography services. Breast cancer may be better managed if it is detected early and treated promptly.

Find hope with the brave stories of breast cancer survivors and patients with this disease.

Raising awareness about breast cancer should not be limited to women since men can also have this disease. Watching the Korean drama "Don't Dare to Dream" or more popularly known as "Jealousy Incarnate" may help to a better understanding about cancer awareness, importance of early detection, mammography services to any gender, and cancer deaths.

And finally, the best prevention against any illness is by living a healthy and active lifestyle.