In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a campaign meant to raise awareness and spread knowledge and support for people with this disease.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
It is a month aimed at promoting the screening and prevention of breast cancer, seeing that this disease affects 1 in 8 women every year globally. It's known best for its pink theme to promote campaigns and programs.
It is important for everyone to know what is out there to help prevent breast cancer by early screening. Knowing your family's history of breast cancer is the first step. By spreading the word and educating people on this topic public awareness is being raised. Which is important for fundraising, donations, and prevention.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change of breast size, or red and patchy skin. These are just a few of the many signs.
It is important to know the risk factors that may cause breast cancer. These factors may include family history, obesity, age, personal history, or environmental factors. Breast cancer is not limited to those risk factors or always caused by them.
More About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnostic among woman
1 in 100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer
There are over 3 million survivors
With early detection, many cases can be treatable
Think Pink
Wearing pink and/or a pink ribbon symbolizes breast cancer awareness. This encourages people to get tested, donate, and spread more awareness. It's important for people to know about the resources out there for breast cancer.
This October wear pink to spread awareness for breast cancer.
Resources
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is meant to help others learn more about breast cancer, its risk factors, and how to minimize those risk factors.
Self-screening
Get screened (mammogram)
Community support groups both online and in-person
Book Recommendations
Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul Along with the shock, fear, and loss many women face upon a breast cancer diagnosis comes unexpected strength, wisdom, and strong networks of sharing, support, and healing. In Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer Survivor's Soul, survivors and their family members talk openly about how difficult their fight with breast cancer has been and how they made it through the dark times with a belief in a higher power and the support of those closest to them. - Description from publisher
Understanding Breast Cancer Two decades ago, a diagnosis of breast cancer meant only one thing: mastectomy. A revolution in treatment has given those now afflicted a choice of treatment options far beyond this draconian cure-all. Written by a noted health journalist and former patient, Understanding Breast Cancer offers reliable, up-to-date information on today's most effective treatments. With insights and advice from breast cancer patients who experienced different diagnoses and levels of treatment, Joy Ogden candidly shows how an informed and proactive approach can turn a cancer patient into one of a legion of cancer survivors. - Description from publisher
This post is by SIUE BSW Social Worker, Faith. You can find more resources and get assistance with locating forms and other assistance by scheduling an appointment. Click HERE to schedule a chat with a social worker.