Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Our PinkDrive taking place later this week is full – thank you to everyone who booked a slot. If you did not manage to get a slot, the pink truck will be back early next year and you can get your screenings done then (mammogram, pap smear, or prostate cancer screening).
October being Breast Cancer Awareness month means we should come together to raise awareness, promote education, screening, and early detection – which saves lives – as well as honour those who have lost their lives to the disease. It is also a time to remember we should pledge to support cancer patients and survivors.
Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away.
What are the symptoms?
There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people are asymptomatic – they have no symptoms at all.
Symptoms can include
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
Risk factors include
- Being a woman, although men can also get breast cancer
- Being older, as most breast cancers are found in women aged 50 and above. Younger women can however get breast cancer
How to lower your risk
You can do things to help lower your breast cancer risk:
- Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Choose not to drink alcohol, or drink alcohol in moderation
- If you are taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy) or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the associated risks
- Breastfeed your children, if possible.