Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2020

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2020

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2020: Breast cancer, it’s a scary thought and all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them.

So, during breast cancer awareness month 2020 go for a medical check-up, it might save your life.

Early signs of breast cancer can be a lump in a breast, a painful breast or armpit, or a discharge from the nipple. See the diagrams below.

Early detection is the best prevention:

Research has shown that a regular Breast Self-Examination (BSE), plays an important role in discovering breast cancer, compared to finding a breast lump by chance. About 90% of women who are diagnosed early with breast cancer and treated appropriately survive for many years afterwards.

A BSE should be done once a month, preferably at the same time of day, following a woman’s menstrual cycle.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 2020 – Mammograms

Mammograms (a special x-ray to detect lumps in the breast), do not prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible.

Finding breast cancers early with mammography has also meant that many more women being treated for breast cancer are able to keep their breasts. When caught early, localised cancers can be removed without resorting to breast removal (mastectomy).

You should go for a regular mammogram from the age of 40.

Most medical aids cover a mammogram every 2 years, with annual mammograms being recommended dependent upon family or medical history.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Risk factors

One of the greatest risks for breast cancer is obesity, particularly after menopause.

Other risk factors include smoking, not being physically active, consuming alcohol and age.

A high fat diet or one that is very dense in animal protein can increase your risk of breast cancer. Your diet should include lots of fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins like fish, legumes and eggs. Stress can also be a factor.

Women & Cancer.

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