BREAST CANCER AWARENESS & EARLY DETECTION
Breast cancer awareness and early detection month is a yearly campaign that intends to educate people about the importance of early screening, tests, and more. This campaign starts on October 1 and ends on October 31 every year. NBCAM was founded in October of 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs).
The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer. (Courtesy of Wikipedia) Early detection is important because when abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat.
By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread and be harder to treat. Several screening tests have been shown to detect cancer early and to reduce the number of fatalities. Early diagnosis improves cancer outcomes by providing care at the earliest possible stage and is therefore an important public health strategy in all settings.
For some common cancer types, such as cervical, colorectal, lung, and breast cancer, clinical trials have shown that early screening does save lives. Early detection of breast cancer is important as it is associated with an increased number of available treatment options, increased survival, and improved quality of life. While there is no definitive method of preventing breast cancer, early detection provides the best chance of effective treatment.
EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER
With so many women being diagnosed with breast cancer unexpectedly, it's important to be aware and proactive with this disease and it's important to get checked out. You don't have to wait until your yearly OB/GYN EXAM, check yourself out now and get checked out! Empowered Women Empower!
Symptoms and early warning signs of breast cancer include:
Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other visible differences in one or both breasts
An increase in size or change in the shape of the breast(s)
Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
General pain in/on any part of the breast
Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast
The list goes on and on. There are at least 6 or more breast cancer-type symptoms including male breast cancer symptoms according to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. If you're anything like me, I'm guilty of running to the internet for self-diagnosis. There are so many websites to help you figure out what ale's you. However, I'm smart enough to know that the internet is not the final answer, especially when you know something is just not right. Some illnesses either major or minor mimic other illnesses so it's always best to make an appointment to see a doctor, the experts will determine whether something you notice is cause for concern, and if there is, they will be able to treat it right away.
SELF-BREAST EXAM CHECK
Use a firm, smooth touch with the first few finger pads of your hand, keeping the fingers flat and together. Use a circular motion, about the size of a quarter. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom, side to side from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Check your breast as often as you can and don't skip yearly exams. For more information regarding breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, please visit...…. https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/breast-cancer/symptoms
