Hi Mommsies!
Since October is Pink October month, I want to share this with you.
This was sent to me today by our company nurses as part of the information drive and campaign against Breast Cancer.
For me, the best weapons against it are breastfeeding (it's cheap and beneficial to us and our babies) and exercise. (i jog and run) *wink*
Pls read on:
According to the Department of Health and the Philippine Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is still the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for 28 percent of the total cases.
One out of four who are diagnosed with breast cancer die within the first five years, and no less than 40 percent die within 10 years .
But despite of this alarming statistics medical authorities stress that breast cancer is a preventable and curable disease. The number of breast cancer survivor is increasing due to betterdisease awareness and the practice of regular screening that helps detect the disease at an earlier.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too.
RISK FACTORS :
The following are among the known risk factors for breast cancer:
• Age: The chances of breast cancer increase as you get older.
• Family history: The risk of breast cancer is higher among women who have relatives with the disease. Having a close relative with the disease (sister, mother, daughter) doubles a woman’s risk.
• Personal history: Having been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast increases the risk of cancer in the other breast or the chance of an additional cancer in the original breast.
• Women diagnosed with certain benign breast conditions have an increased risk of breast cancer. These include atypical hyperplasia, a condition in which there is abnormal proliferation of breast cells but no cancer has developed.
• Menstruation: Women who started their menstrual cycle at a younger age (before 12) or went through menopause later (after 55) have a slightly increased risk.
• Breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue (as documented by mammogram) have a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Having no children or the first child after age 30 increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding for one-and-a-half to two years might slightly lower the risk of breast cancer.
• Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Use of oral contraceptives in the last 10 years increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Using combined hormone therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Alcohol use increases the risk of breast cancer, and this seems to be proportional to the amount of alcohol used.
• Exercise seems to lower the risk of breast cancer.
SYMPTOMS
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. In addition, the following are possible signs of breast cancer:
• Nipple discharge or redness
• Breast or nipple pain
• Swelling of part of the breast or dimpling.
Having a symptom does not mean that it is indicative of breast cancer. However, do consider any symptoms as a warning and a call to action to immediately seek attention from a medical professional.
REDUCING YOUR RISK
The risk factors for breast cancer may be significantly reduced by following :
- a low-fat diet
- eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- limiting intake of processed foods
- reducing fatty meats
- maintaining a healthy weight, and
- exercising regularly,
Taking responsibility for your overall health will surely increase your chances for optimal health in spite of genetic or other potential risk factors.
Fighting Breast Cancer starts with YOU.
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