Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is considered as Breast Cancer Awareness month. The theme for Breast Cancer awareness month 2021 is "Pink40: Beyond the Ribbon".

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There is more than one type of breast cancer. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths amongst Jamaican women. Approximately three hundred (300) women die annually from breast cancer in Jamaica. Majority of women with breast cancer in Jamaica were diagnosed when the cancer was in an advanced state. It is advised for women to be vigilant and those who are at high risk to get regular screening.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer may include, but not limited to:

Change in the size or the shape of the breast.
Pain in any area of the breast.
Bloody or any other nipple discharge.
Lump in the breast or underarm.

Risk factors contributing to Breast Cancer

Age (the risk of getting breast cancer increase with age)
Women with family history of breast cancer
Obesity
Alcohol consumption

Myths and facts of Breast Cancer

Myth: If women in my family do not have a history of breast cancer, I will not have it.
Fact: A lot of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.

Myth: If you maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and limit alcohol, you don’t have to worry about breast cancer.
Fact: Although these behaviors can help lower breast cancer risk, they can’t eliminate it.

Myth: Wearing a bra can cause breast cancer.
Fact: There is no evidence that bras cause breast cancer.

Myth: Using underarm antiperspirant can cause breast cancer.
Fact: There is no evidence of a connection between underarm antiperspirant and breast cancer, but the safety of antiperspirants is still being studied

Myth: Carrying your cell phone in your bra can cause breast cancer.
Fact: There is no evidence of a connection between cell phones and breast cancer, but the safety of cell phones is still being studied.

Myth: All breast cancer is treated pretty much the same way.
Fact: Treatment plans vary widely depending on the characteristics of the cancer and patient preferences.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Early detection can save your lives. It is therefore recommended that women, both young and old, practice a breast self examination. Below is a video on how to perform breast self examination at home.

Breast Self-examination video

References

Conner, K. (n.d.). Breast cancer myths vs facts. Retrieved from

https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/myths-facts

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Risk Factors of Breast Cancer. Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.). Symptoms of Breast Cancer. Retrieved from

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm

Fortis Healthcare (2013). Breast self examination. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=biTZmXL0Nu8&feature=youtu.be

Jamaica Cancer Society (n.d.). It’s breast cancer awareness month. Retrieved from

http://jamaicacancersociety.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/