• FREE SHIPPING ON $40 AND ABOVE
header-Heart

Heedfit Labcoats 20% off SHOP NOW

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Your In-Depth Detailed Guide

13 October
2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Your In-Depth Detailed Guide

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Your In-Depth Detailed Guide

Every year in the month of October, the world embraces pink hues as organizations, communities and people gather to generate awareness and create dialogue regarding The Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is that time of the year where we reflect, educate and empower, where focus remains on preventing, supporting or understanding the struggle of those battling breast cancer. This yearly initiative serves as a moving reminder of the innumerable individuals affected by this illness and the unwavering commitment to have a positive influence.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about wearing pink ribbons and posting on social media with posts surrounding the cause, rather it gives an opportunity to introspect and dig deeper into the issues surrounding breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about wearing pink ribbons or adorning social media with pink-themed posts; it's an opportunity to delve deeper into the profound issues surrounding breast cancer. In this blog, we assess the intricacies of breast cancer awareness, looking at the importance of early detection, the developments in therapy, the experiences of survivors and fighters, and the part that each of us can play in making the world free of breast cancer.

The Origins of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month has a meaningful and rich legacy that dates back to early 1980s. The day was established in order to give attention to the alarming increase in reported breast cancer cases and importance of early detection in effective treatment and prognosis. The movement initiated in 1985, when Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca), and American Cancer Society founded the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The purpose of this movement was to promote mammography as an effective tool for early detection. Through early prognosis and intervention, the survival rates can increase drastically. From that time, the campaign has evolved to a global movement where communities from all over the globe show support and solidarity for those affected by breast cancer. Moreover, the campaign helps fundraise for research and spread awareness regarding this critical ailment.

Importance of Self-Assessment For Early Detection

Every year, millions of women around the world are affected by the deadly enemy known as breast cancer. Knowledge is truly power in the fight against this illness, and early discovery can be the difference between life and death. That is where self-evaluation is so important. Regular self-examination for breast cancer enables people to take charge of their own health by giving them a straightforward but crucial tool for identifying potential warning signs and assuring prompt medical attention. The likelihood of successful treatment is considerably increased by early identification. While there are presently no specific tests for detecting breast cancer early on, using self-examination in conjunction with other screening techniques can increase the likelihood of detecting the disease early on.

The importance of breast self-examination in the early diagnosis of breast cancer and its effect on patient survival have been hotly debated in recent years. Notably, a 2008 study that included over 400,000 Russian and Chinese women expressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of self-examination. According to this study, self-examination may not significantly affect breast cancer survival and may result in unneeded biopsies. It's crucial to remember that more current information and changing viewpoints within the medical community have spurred a complicated conversation. Although the American Cancer Society formerly advised against routine breast self-examination, there is now acknowledgment that self-awareness and self-examination, when paired with clinical screenings and medical guidance, can still play a role in breast health. This increasing knowledge of the function of self-examination in breast cancer awareness and early detection is influenced by recent statistics and studies.

Despite the data, a lot of medical professionals still think that self-examination of the breasts is a good screening tool. However, these must be used in conjunction with routine physicals performed by medical professionals, ultrasounds, mammography, or MRI. Each of these tools has unique functionality as well as advantages and disadvantages.

Women of all ages can conduct breast self-examinations at any time because it is quick and easy to do so. It is advised that all women perform their regular breast self-examinations, viewing them as a crucial component of their breast cancer screening plan.

How to perform a breast self-exam in five simple steps:

Step 1:
Observe your breasts while standing in front of the mirror to perform a breast self-examination. Place your arms on your hips while keeping your shoulders straight.

  • You must determine whether:
  • You have typical breast size, shape, and color.
  • Your breasts are uniformly formed and show no signs of enlargement or distortion.

Inform your healthcare practitioner if you observe any such change. These modifications include:

  • Skin that is sagging, puckering, or having dimples
  • A nipple that is flipped over or shifts position.
  • Swelling, redness, discomfort, or rashes.

Step 2:
Raise your arms now and track the adjustments.

Step 3:
As you look at yourself in the mirror, check to see if one or both of your nipples are oozing any liquid. Anything from milk to water to blood to yellow fluid is acceptable as the fluid.

Step 4:
Start examining your breasts while still lying down, using your right hand to examine your left breast and your left hand to examine your right breast. Make sure your touch is smooth and solid where your hand's first few fingers rest, keeping all of the fingers together and flat. Feel your breasts in a circular motion.

Be sure to completely enclose your breast from top to bottom and from side to side. Consider your armpit, cleavage, upper abdomen, and collarbone.

Your aim is to completely enclose your breasts. Starting at the nipple, extend your arms outward until they touch the edge of your breasts. Most women prefer to self-examine this method, moving their fingers vertically up and down in rows.

Make sure to feel all tissues from the front to the back when inspecting. Apply light to medium pressure to the tissue and skin below, and medium pressure to the deep tissues in the back. You will be able to feel all the way to your rib cage after you have reached the deep tissues.

Step 5:
Finally, whether standing or sitting, feel your breasts. When their bodies are slick or wet after a shower, most women find it easier to feel their breasts.

Detecting a Lump - Raising Awareness This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Finding a lump in your breast might be a crucial turning point in your quest to preserve breast health. It's a straightforward but effective act of self-awareness that might just be the difference. It's possible that you'll find a lump or another irregularity in your breast tissue when performing a self-examination. Even while not all lumps are malignant, finding one might be concerning and should spur additional research. Finding a lump is important because it may result in an early diagnosis, which is essential for the successful management of breast cancer. Early detection increases the likelihood of a positive outcome, highlighting the value of routine self-examinations and remaining aware of your body's cues.

If you find any worrying or new breast changes or lumps, don't hesitate to notify your healthcare physician. This is especially true for changes that persist for more than one menstrual cycle or that, in some way, appear to grow or expand. It is best to wait until after your period to consult a doctor because the lump can go away on its own.

Your regular doctor, nurse, or gynecologist are the ideal professionals to consult when you find a bump.

Moving Forward …

Your doctor will take note of your medical history and examine your breasts when you visit for an appointment to have your lump evaluated. When a woman under the age of 30, a breastfeeding mother, or a pregnant woman has a lump, she or he is most likely to order a breast imaging test, such as an ultrasound. Mammograms and ultrasounds are typically advised for evaluating women who are over 30, nursing, and not pregnant. Your doctor might advise a biopsy, MBI (molecular breast imaging), and/or an MRI if more testing is required. Your doctor could also suggest that you get an early evaluation from a breast surgeon or other specialist. Your healthcare providers must explain the lumps, breast changes, etc. to you and provide a strategy for either monitoring or treating you. If the recommendation does not satisfy you, always seek a

Supporting the Cause: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Shirts

Breast Cancer Awareness Month shirts are a strong method to make a real difference in the world, not only as a fashion statement. These shirts represent more than simply the material and style; they stand for unity, hope, and the combined power of people coming together to combat breast cancer. In the medical field, you can raise awareness, serve as a walking spokesperson for the cause, and fund important research and support initiatives by wearing a shirts like pink scrubs and love and heart scrubs honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month with pride. Your decision to wear these shirts goes beyond your choice of clothing; it is a visible expression of your dedication to educating people about the condition, providing support, and assisting those who are afflicted by it. Each shirt that is bought and worn contributes to better education, earlier detection, and better results for breast cancer patients. It's a straightforward yet powerful way to express your support for survivors, pay tribute to the lives lost, and strive toward a world free of breast cancer.