Power Of Women | Sisterhood Sessions: Women’s Health-October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What I’ve Learned

I’ve learned Breast Cancer Awareness is important for early diagnosis. One of my best friends was diagnosed with Breast Cancer years ago. Due to early detection, she is Cancer free today, and living a healthy life. At least for my friend, being aware of the importance of routine self exams, and Mammogram Screenings was key to her successful treatment.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ month, a great time to schedule a Mammogram screening and remind a friend, sister, niece, mother, and others that you care about to do the same. Don’t forget about the men in your life. Ensure they schedule an appointment for a breast cancer screening as well.

About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime, or approximately 12%. A little known fact, about 1 in 1,000 men are at risk of developing breast cancer in his lifetime.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and spread out of control. Most types of cancer cells eventually form a lump or mass called a tumor, and are named after the part of the body where the tumor originates. Most breast cancers begin either in the breast tissue made up of glands for milk production, called lobules, or in the ducts that connect the lobules to the nipple. The remainder of the breast is made up of fatty, connective, and lymphatic tissues.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer typically produces no symptoms when the tumor is small and most easily treated, which is why screening is important for early detection. The most common physical sign is a painless lump. Sometimes breast cancer spreads to underarm lymph nodes and causes a lump or swelling, even before the original breast tumor is large enough to be felt. Less common signs and symptoms include breast pain or heaviness; persistent changes, such as swelling, thickening, or redness of the skin; and nipple abnormalities such as spontaneous discharge (especially if bloody), erosion, or retraction. Any persistent change in the breast should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

Excerpts From American Cancer Society-Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2017-2018 (What is Breast Cancer? | What Are The Symptoms?)

Understand more about Breast Cancer Statistics, and what you can do to be proactive with preventive measures. Visit the American Cancer Society.

Statistical Data Source-American Cancer Society

Stats Image Compilation Source: Unknown

Original post date October 19, 2017. Updates to post, Oct 1, 2018.