Breast Cancer Awareness 2015

Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Today, 5th of October marks the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Breast Cancer Awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. The pink ribbon is the most prominent symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. The goal of the campaign is to raise public's 'brand awareness' for breast cancer, its detection, treatment and the need for a reliable permanent cure.
As a result of awareness, breast cancers are being detected at an earlier , more treatable stage.
Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast cells or tissue. It is the most invasive cancer in females worldwide. Men can have breast cancer too, but the number of cases is small. Breast cancer rates are much higher in developed nations compared to developing ones. It affects 1 in 8 women during their lives.
Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, fluid coming from the nipple, dimpling of the skin, a change in breast shape, red scaly patch of skin, swollen nymph nodes, bone pain, and shortness of breath.
No one knows why some women get breast cancer, but there are a number of risk factors. Risk you cannot change includes: Age (the chance of getting breast cancer increases as the woman get older), genes, personal factors (beginning periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55). Other risks include: lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, taking birth control pills, estrogen exposure, obesity etc. Diabetes mellitus might also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Women are usually diagnosed after a routine breast cancer screening, or after detecting certain signs and symptoms. Diagnostic tests include: breast exam, mammography (commonly used for breast cancer screening), biopsy, breast ultrasound and breast (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan.
Treatment may consist of radiation (to destroy microscopic tumor), lumpectomy (removal of a small part of the breast), mastectomy (removal of the whole breast), chemotherapy (use of drugs) and hormone therapy (e.g. Tamoxifen and Aromatase inhibitors).
There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. To lower the risk of breast cancer:
1. Limit alcohol consumption.
2. Be physically active.
3. Do not smoke.
4. Control your weight.
5. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.
6. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.
7. Breastfeed.
Early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. So, do the simple thing: check your breast regularly. If you notice any unusual thing, go to the hospital. Treat it as a medical issue. Every woman is at risk - nobody is spared. Take charge of your breast health. Live life to the fullest!