European Breast Cancer Day

October is pink! At this special time, think about yourself and your body’s needs. Let’s take care of our health on European Breast Cancer Day.

Breast Cancer and Pink October

According to statistics, malignant breast cancer most often affects women over 50. However, an increase in incidence is also observed in women over 35. In Poland, several thousand new cases are diagnosed every year. Breast cancer is life-threatening, but early detection increases the chance that treatment will be effective. Prevention cannot be overemphasized. On the one hand, it reduces the risk of contracting the disease, and on the other, it allows us to react quickly to the possible development of the disease.

That is why October has been established as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The culmination of pro-health education campaigns is October 15 – European Breast Cancer Day. The symbol of support for the struggle against cancer isthe pink ribbon.

Factors that increase the risk of the disease

Breast cancer knowledge is essential for adult women of all ages. Awareness of the risks makes it easier for us to appreciate the role of proper prevention and regular examinations.

Breast cancer risk is primarily associated with genetic factors. If malignant cancer has occurred in the family in the past, the likelihood of developing the disease in the next generation increases. This is especially true of first-degree kinship (mother’s or sister’s illness).

Hormonal factors also play an important role. Increased vigilance should be triggered by early first menstruation or late menopause. The risk of the disease also increases with long-term use of hormone replacement therapy.

In addition, the development of malignant breast cancer is favored by lifestyle factors. Among them are inadequate diet, obesity, exercise deficiency and frequent use of alcohol.

Women who have struggled with other breast diseases, in the past should also be aware of the increased risk of cancer.

Prevention can save lives

Preventive measures in the context of breast cancer are divided into primary and secondary. Primary preventionis aimed at preventing the onset of malignant cancer. So it’s about reducing those risk factors that are within our control. It is primarily a matter of lifestyle: proper diet and physical activity, and limiting alcohol. Secondary prevention of breast canceron the other hand, involves regular examinations. With them, the possible development of the disease will be detected early, increasing the chance of effective treatment.

Preventive research should be carried out in two ways. First, it is recommended that breast ultrasounds be performed every two years (for women in their 20s and 30s) or annually (after age 30). You should go for a mammogram once every two years (between the ages of 40 and 49) or once a year (after the age of 50). Secondly, the role of regular breast self-examination at home cannot be overestimated.

Self-preventive breast examination

How to take care of breast cancer prevention at home? According to official recommendations (per www.gov.pl), the test is conducted as follows:

Monthly breast self-examination should be performed on the same day of the monthly cycle – it is recommended to perform the test preferably 3-5 days after the end of menstruation, when the breasts are not swollen or sore (after menopause it can be any day). The first stage of self-examination is to look at the breasts. They are carried out in a standing position, in front of a mirror, to catch changes in their appearance (assessing the shape of the breasts, the condition of the skin). The second stage is a palpation evaluation, such as while showering to detect any nodules under the skin, and also while lying down, not forgetting to check the lymph nodes in the axillary fossa.

Consult your doctor for additional information and guidance on proper breast self-examination.

Worrying symptoms

Among the symptoms that should draw our special attention are:

• palpable nodules,
• leakage from the nipple and/or an altered appearance of the nipple,
• different from the usual size or shape of the breasts,
• skin lesions around the warts,
• enlarged lymph nodes in the axillary fossa,
• visible on the chest dilated veins.

If you notice alarming symptoms and changes in yourself, do not hesitate – see your doctor.

Pink ribbon

On European Breast Cancer Day, let’s focus on awareness of our own body – its needs and health. Let knowledge about the symptoms of breast cancer, the risk of cancer and proper prevention become more widespread. Think of yourself and your loved ones in Pink October – and beyond. Let Breast Cancer Awareness Month contribute to paying more attention to health every day.

Pin a pink ribbon and join the Pink October campaign!

Compiled from: https://www.gov.pl/web/psse-ostrow-mazowiecka/europejski-dzien-walki-z-rakiem-piersi