Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What it is and Why it Matters

Breast Cancer Awareness is a healthcare awareness initiative observed every year for the entire month of October, with an aim to increase awareness about breast cancer and remove the stigma around it. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, with more than 2 lakh new cases reported every year. Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer, especially in countries such as India, where there is still limited awareness about breast cancer, its symptoms, and treatment options.

What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

In countries around the world, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is held in October every year, which is also referred to as “Pinktober”. Breast Cancer Awareness Month can mean different things to different people. For some, it could be a month that reminds them of the disease that forever changed their lives, and for others, it could be a month to show their support to millions of women worldwide battling with breast cancer.

The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is to spread awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for research, prevention, treatment, and cure. The initiative also asserts the importance of regular screenings, such as mammograms, for the early detection of breast cancer - when it is still in a treatable stage.

During this month, various cancer advocacy organisations, healthcare providers, and local communities around the world organise various awareness campaigns and events for maximum participation and raise funds for research and development of better treatment options.

Importance of Spreading Awareness and Promoting Action

It is estimated that in the year 2024 over 360,000 people worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While early detection can help cure cancer, in countries like India, there are still many women out there who are not even aware that they need to undergo regular screenings and self-examinations. That’s when international movements, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month can be of great help.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month aims to educate people about breast cancer and empower them with crucial knowledge that can save lives. During this month, various campaigns, events and talk shows are organised dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and encouraging women to take action by getting mammograms or consulting doctors, if necessary. By moving beyond awareness to action, we can make a huge difference, such as providing support for patients living with breast cancer and working towards reducing its occurrence as well as mortality rates.

The Pink Ribbon

People worldwide wear pink ribbons to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbon not only serves as a symbol of breast cancer awareness but also serves as a visual reminder of those who have and are already battling breast cancer. The specific colour pink was chosen for breast cancer awareness for its association with femininity, health, and nurturing and to promote positivity and strength in the face of the disease. Over the years, various organisations and groups have used and distributed pink ribbons in various breast cancer awareness campaigns, events, and products to raise funds for research and to provide support to those who are already battling breast cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when breast cells mutate and grow out of control to form tumours. Breast cancer cells usually begin inside the milk ducts and/or milk-producing lobules of the breast and if not treated on time can spread to the other parts of the body and can become fatal. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the second most common cause of death from cancer among women worldwide. When it comes to the symptoms of breast cancer, different females have different symptoms, some may not even have any symptoms. Still, it is important to be aware of some common symptoms of breast cancer, which include:

• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Thickening or swelling of different areas of the breast
• Any change in the size and shape of the breast
• Pain in the breast
• Liquid discharge other than milk, such as blood
• Pulling in of the nipple or change in the texture or shape of the nipple
• Pain in the nipple

Lifestyle Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention

Following a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing breast cancer in women and contribute to overall health. While some risk factors, such as genetic makeup cannot be controlled, living a healthy lifestyle can have a positive impact on the body including breasts. Given below are some practical lifestyle tips for breast cancer prevention:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

While the link between body weight and breast cancer is complex, it has been observed that women who are overweight after menopause are at a higher risk of breast cancer. Mostly because, in overweight women, the blood oestrogen levels are high, as after menopause oestrogen mainly comes from fat tissue. Also, heavy women tend to have increased levels of insulin in the body. which could be another contributing factor in increasing the risk of breast cancer. It is, therefore, advisable to maintain a healthy body weight.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet not only helps decrease the risk of breast cancer but also helps you prevent various other health issues, such as obesity. Eat foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and lean proteins, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meat, and whole grains. Various studies suggest that eating excess sugar can increase the risk of cancer, so it is advisable to limit sugar consumption. If possible, have only natural sugars found in natural foods, such as fruits. 

Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly is often linked to lowering the chances of breast cancer for more than a few reasons. Exercise can help with healthy weight management, lower blood oestrogen levels, regulate hormones, and can boost the immune system, all of which is important to lower the risk of breast cancer. Make sure to engage in some form of physical activity on a regular basis. Even if you don’t find time to exercise, make sure to at least walk 10,000 steps daily to get the body moving.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

We all know about the negative effects of smoking and drinking on our body. As smoking and alcohol consumption are linked to various types of cancer, including breast cancer, it is advisable to avoid smoking and drinking to lower your chances of breast cancer.

Breastfeed

Various studies have shown that breastfeeding for at least a year can lower the risk of both pre-and postmenopausal breast cancer. Breastfeeding reduces the level of oestrogen in the body, a hormone linked to breast cancer. 

Regular Screening

Regular screening plays an important role in detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when it can be treated successfully. In addition to doing monthly breast self-examination, women especially in their 40s and 50s should get regular clinical breast exams and mammograms done for early detection of breast cancer.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is usually detected after physical symptoms start showing, but many women with breast cancer may not even show any symptoms and may still have the cancer. This is why regular breast screening for women especially after their menopause is crucial. The most effective way to detect cancer at an early stage is by getting a mammogram (low-dose x-rays of breast) done on a regular basis. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage, when it is mostly likely to be treated successfully. A mammogram helps identify any changes in the breast that could be cancer way before the physical symptoms start showing. 

Note: According to the American Cancer Society, women between age 45-54 should get a mammogram done every year to reduce their risk of breast cancer. Women above 55 age should get a mammogram done every 2 years. This early screening can help women worldwide lower their risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast Cancer Awareness month is a month that gives us a chance to spread awareness about breast cancer, share preventive measures, talk about the latest developments in the treatment, and understand the importance of routine mammograms to improve survival rates and empower women to take control of their health. We, at Max Hospitals, are committed to support women on their journey towards self-care and prevention of breast cancer by offering state-of-the-art mammography, breast exams, and expert consultations. It’s better to be proactive than to be late. So, don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your screening today to stay ahead of breast cancer. Your health is in your hands, and Max Hospitals is here to guide you every step of the way.