Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October

According to the most recent breast cancer statistics, around 287,850 female invasive breast cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2022. In 2019, there were more than three million women living with breast cancer in the United States alone. In addition, more than 2,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, out of which 530 men die due to the condition. Breast cancer is also among the leading causes of death in many countries across the globe.

Breast Health & Pandemic

Until two years ago, associations and healthcare providers picked up a great pace in breast cancer awareness and screening efforts. But the pandemic undermined every action, and healthcare professionals stepped in to treat COVID patients.

Elective procedures like diagnostic mammography and screenings were hard hit. But even though we’ve faced roadblocks in the past, we’re returning to the pre-pandemic levels of patient care.

Raising Breast Cancer Awareness

Every October, we celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an event much more than raising funds for high-quality research. It also spreads awareness about the disease, and awareness is power. When women understand the what, why, and how of this condition, lifesaving changes can occur.

Breast cancer is here and tearing families apart at an unbelievable level. Educating and empowering women with the right and complete knowledge helps detect early stage as well as advanced symptoms at which invention can improve and save lives.

Breast Cancer Is Relatively Common

Breast cancer is relatively common in the US, yet fewer women have access to proper know-how, care, and treatment.

Recently, Katie Couric, a former co-anchor at the “Today” show on NBC, opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis. Months back, when Couric was on her way to a routine examination, she was faced with the news of her stage 1A breast cancer. A proper plan, emotional support, and faith in the good helped her process all the information.

Katie is a woman on a mission who encourages other women to be regular with breast cancer prevention mammogram tests. She consistently advocates for women dealing with breast cancer and the importance of regular screenings.

Couric had delayed her screenings by a few months, “think what might have happened if I had put it off longer,” she mentions in her interview with NBC News.

Even at more advanced stages than Katie, many treatments are available. Routine screening is the key to staying on track with one’s well-being, especially for women over 50.

Facts, Signs, Early Detection, & Screenings

A lump or multiple snowball lumps, bloody discharge from the nipple, retracted nipple area, size changes, pitting of the skin, or crustiness are some signs to notice.

Furthermore, early menarche, late natural menopause, first pregnancies over the age of 30, severe radiation exposure, and poor lifestyle choices show strong evidence of increased chances of breast cancer.

Mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, clinical examination, and genetic testing are a few ways to determine your chances of developing cancer in your breast(s).

So, it’s crucial to speak to a specialist for a thorough evaluation to promote timely detection and prevention. Report any changes you see in your breasts to your health provider immediately.