Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Awareness and Prevention
This month we would like to take the time to talk about breast cancer. We would like to spread the news and bring awareness to the public. Some ways we will do that is by letting people know what the symptoms of breast cancer are, what treatments there are and the things that you are able to do in order to prevent it from happening.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in american women, but let’s talk about the ways that can reduce the risk of developing it. One of the first things that is said to help lower the risk of developing breast cancer is to regularly schedule mammograms. Make sure to talk to your doctor about this and find out when you should start scheduling them. The next tip we have to help lower your risk for breast cancer is to avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. There have been some suggested links between breast cancer and radiation exposure. Certain medical-imaging methods have large doses of radiation, so be sure to only take certain tests when absolutely necessary to avoid the exposure. The last tip for prevention is to make sure that you visit your doctor regularly and note any changes that occur in the breasts such as lumps or skin changes so they can respond accordingly and quickly.
Let’s talk about some ways to spread awareness about breast cancer. One way is to show your support this month is by making a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. It can be a one time or on going donation to help support the research and prevention of breast cancer. It also helps to share stories of how breast cancer has affected you or a loved one. Do you have friends or family that have been affected by this tragedy? Speak out about it and let us know your experience or if you have been personally affected by it then don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. Another way to spread awareness is through social media. We all spend time on facebook, instagram or snapchat. Post educational content on your social media to spread the awareness of breast cancer this month. Our last tip is to host an in-person or virtual fundraiser to raise money for breast cancer research. Any amount of money you can raise is a step in the right direction toward helping those suffering from breast cancer.
The last thing we’d like to touch on are the symptoms of breast cancer. We’ve given you some tips on ways to prevent it, but you should also be aware of the symptoms in case they are exhibited in you or a loved one. Not all signs are noticeable, there are some that we can’t see or feel, but there are precautions you should take regardless. If you notice a change in how the breast or nipple feels then make sure you’re consulting your doctor right away. This could include, but is not limited to, tenderness or a lump thickening near the breast or underarm area. A change in the appearance of the breast or nipple. This includes dimpling of the breast, unexplained swelling or shrinkage, the skin around the breast, nipple or areola becoming swollen, red or scaly. More signs and symptoms of breast cancer can be found on the National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
We hope that these tips have been helpful and that you’ll help spread awareness for breast cancer during October. Even if you or a loved one have not suffered through it, it still helps to show your support through social media, donations or other means big or small.
