October is breast cancer awareness month. It is very essential to spread awareness of this disease, an effort to reduce the stigma of breast cancer through attention, education and care. Helping the women in need through this awareness month is vital in strengthening the armour as we go into battle with this dangerous cancer. Only when there is education on the importance of early detection, symptoms, myths, treatment, recovery, etc. there would be a better understanding of the disease and tackling it would be easier.
Here are some awareness facts about breast cancer from various studies and reports that are important for every woman to know and also pass on to the women in their lives. Make sure you do!
- Early detection is key to the best treatment
Regular tests and check-ups are very important and can make a huge difference in the early detection of breast cancer as the survival rates for localized cancer is 99%. The mammograms are able to detect breast tumours even before you feel any lumps. So, it is always good to get regular check-ups done and detect for early tumours, if any, before they spread.
- Most commonly found in pregnant women
You always need to be careful about checking for breast lumps while pregnant. It is trickier to be able to detect breast cancer in pregnant women because the size and feel of the breasts change constantly when a woman is pregnant. Women need to be extremely careful to test for breast cancer as a precautionary method if and when they are pregnant.
- If you are above 50 years of age, the risk is higher
Women of all ages can be affected by breast cancer, but for those women who are over 50 years of age, they are at a higher risk. Reports and surveys suggest that over 90% of breast cancer patients are women who are above the age of 50.
- If breast cancer runs in your family, you should be careful and stay alert always
If there is a history of breast cancer in the women of your family, then you need to stay alert and take necessary precautions because according to reports, you are twice as likely as a normal woman to get breast cancer. Keeping in mind yours and your family’s medical history, discuss with your doctor and make sure you take the steps and processes needed to keep breast cancer as far away as possible.
- Decline in deaths
This is good news! According to various health reports produced by international health centres, the deaths caused by breast cancer have considerably decreased by 40% over the last 30 years.
Increased awareness, precautionary measures and the right course of treatment = decline in the death rate!
Spread the word. Save a life.
Disclaimer: Above Article is only for education purpose only. Consult a medical practitioner for specific health problems.
