Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

October is the month of breast cancer awareness. We see pink ribbons everywhere, but it’s not only about the pink ribbon. It’s about the support to help women who are suffering from a breast tumor.

It’s essential to have awareness for breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness day falls on October 13, as recognized by the 13. This whole month of October, breast cancer is promoted in full swing.

If you want to know everything about this breast cancer awareness month, read this complete blog and find out for yourself. Be aware of the signs and symptoms, as early detection can save lives

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

Breast cancer awareness month is an international campaign celebrated globally. Breast cancer affects 2.3 million women worldwide, and the breast cancer awareness month offer promotes screenings and prevention techniques for the disease.

The overall month you will notice many programs and campaigns being held with pink theme. These groups promote breast cancer by raising awareness about the breast tumor, how it is caused, the early signs of breast cancer, and what are the ways to prevent it.

The goups include local community organizations and breast cancer advocacy organizations. Their goal is to:

Support breast cancer patients, including patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Educate people about the risks associated with breast cancer.
Raise funds for breast cancer research.
Encourage women to do regular screenings earlier or at the age of 40.

Specific dates are assigned for specific groups of breast cancer awareness:

October 13: Metatastic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

Metatastic breast cancer is the cancer that also spreads to other areas of the body aside from the breasts. The U.S. nationally recognizes October 13 as the Metatastic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Metatastic breast cancer affects over 168,000 women in the U.S. Researchers believe that around 30% of early-stage breast cancers spread to other parts of the body.

October 13, since 2009, aims to raise awareness about the importance of funding for research on metastatic breast cancer and creating treatment options for it.

October 13-23: Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week

While breast cancer is common in women, it is less known fact that men also suffer from breast cancer. President of the U.S., Joe Biden, has officially declared the week (October 17-October 23) as Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week.

The American Cancer Society reports that in 2024, approximately 2,790 men in the United States will receive a breast cancer diagnosis, with around 530 expected to succumb to the illness.

Unfortunately, a lack of awareness and existing stigma can make it hard to detect issues early and lower the treatment options for men, trans men, and non-binary individuals.

What causes breast cancer?

There are several causes of breast cancer. Breast cancer is caused by the mutation of breast cells turning into cancerous cells. When these cancerous cells expand, it creates tumors.

Hence, with the advent of breast cancer awareness month, women can be more aware of the signs; chances of early diagnosis will increase and there will be several treatment options.

Some of these causes include:

Age (40 and above)
Gender (found mostly in women)
Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter)
Genetics (genetic mutations, mostly BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes).
Smoking and alcohol
Obesity (overweight)
Radiation exposure (radiation therapy—chest, head, or neck)
HRT (hormone replacement therapy)

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The early signs of breast cancer sometimes go unnoticed. It is essential to be aware of breast cancer symptoms so that early detection is possible and there are more treatment options.

The breast cancer symptoms include:

Change in the shape and size of your breast
A lump or thickened area around the breast or your underarms
Changes in nipple (turned inward, flattened, or crusted)
Changes in the color (your breast may appear purple, red, or darker than other parts)
Changes in the feel or look of your skin (dimpled, puckered or inflamed)
Clear or blood stained discharge from the nipple

How to do a self-examination for breast cancer at home?

There are ways you can do self-examination of breast cancer at home. By doing this self-examination for breast cancer, you can know your breasts better and notice any unusual changes.

Look for any breast lumps or swelling, puckered or dimpling skin. See if there are any changes in the size and shape of your breasts. Also, notice if there are any changes in the nipples. If they are turned inward, flattened, or crusted, or any clear or blood stained discharge.

How to perform self-breast examination:

Stand in front of the mirror.
Use three fingers to scan your breasts.
Use a pattern so that you miss nothing.
You can use light, medium, or firm pressure to feel lumps, swelling, hardened skin, knots, or other changes.
Check the nipple for any discharge.

If you are not able to perform breast cancer self-examination, you can run a mammogram. A mammogram is the best and fastest way to detect breast cancer.

Treatment options for breast cancer

With early detection of breast cancer, you may get many treatment option for the breast tumor, like:

Masectomy
Lumpectomy
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Immunotherapy
Hormone therapy
Targeted therapy
Breast reconstruction

However, these therapies can cause side effects. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. While hormone therapy and immunotherapy can cause side effects like diarrhea and constipation.

Every patient’s body react differently to the breast cancer treatments. Ask your doctor which treatment would be the best for you, as per your breast cancer stage.

Sources: Breastcancer.org