Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As most of us are aware of by now October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Most of us have grown up with school assemblies dedicated to the cause, wearing pink at least once a week during school, and all other types of events to raise awareness for breast cancer during the month of October. Many of us have been affected, in some way or another, by this particular issue. It is recorded that one in eight women and one in 833 men will suffer from breast cancer in the United States alone. The issue of breast cancer is an important one so I think it to be crucial that we can recognize the signs early and understand ways to help raise awareness.

Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer

Although cancer is genetic and not necessarily a preventable disease, there are still some things that you can do to reduce your risks for breast cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, being physically active, breastfeeding, and even avoiding excess exposure to radiation and UV rays, can all help reduce your risk of acquiring breast cancer. Notably, though, it is important that we are constantly and routinely getting screened for breast cancer in order to stop the disease from progressing.

Getting Checked

It is of the utmost importance that women schedule routine checks for breast cancer. Breast cancer as a teenager and from ages 20 to 30 is extremely rare. Still, it is important that you do routinely self-exams in order to rule it out. If you have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer you should talk to your doctor about upping the frequency and keep keeping an eye out. Breast cancer and mammograms do not really become a concern until at least 40 years old. After that mark, it is recommended that women get a mammogram at least every two years to rule out breast cancer. From 45 to 50 the frequency gets upped to once a year since this is the most common age group affected. From 50 to 55 the frequency gets lowered back to every 2 years or it is up to the discretion of the individual. If you do have a genetic predisposition to breast cancer this timeline may change and you should contact your doctor to see what schedule works best for you and your medical history.

Spreading Awareness

It is super important that we use our voice to spread awareness about breast cancer in any way that you can. Reminding family members to go in for their check-up, donating to charities that assist breast cancer patients, and even something as simple as wearing pink throughout the month of October to show your solidarity with those who suffer or have suffered from breast cancer, help in raising awareness about the issue. Always remember that although cancer is not a preventable disease, if caught early enough it can be treated and eradicated swiftly. This is why it is important to get yearly screenings and raise awareness because it is always better to be safe than sorry.