It's October again,though we call it pink October,it's the month of breast cancer awareness,we wear pink not only to raise awareness but to also express moral support for women with breast cancer.
The pink ribbon, the feminine color so chosen to symbolize health, has become synonymous with breast cancer awareness. The global awareness that has been raised through the pink ribbon has helped increase early detection of breast cancer, make women more aware of the importance of doing regular breast self-examinations, and increase funds directed towards finding a cure.

Cancer is a group of abnormal cells that grow, invade and destroy normal cells in the body. Breast cancer on the other hand is a group of cells of the breast that invade and destroy surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body, destroying the tissues and leading to death if not detected and treated early.

Cancer occurs when the process of cellular growth goes wrong. The actual cause of this error in cellular proliferation remains unknown; however several risk factors have been attributed. Few of these factors include:

1. Geographic and racial factors: breast cancer has been found to be commoner in developed countries and is mostly related to modifiable risk factors such as diet and environment.
2. Family history: First degree relatives ( mother, sister, daughter) of women with breast cancer have 2 to 6 fold higher risk of developing breast cancer.
3. Menstrual and Obstetric history: there is increased risk in women who had early menarche( a girl’s first menstrual period), late age of first child and delayed menopause
5. Environmental influences and dietary factors which include consumption of large amounts of animal fats, high calorie food, cigarette smoking and exposure to ionizing radiation etc.

Early detection provides a greater possibility of successful treatment. Easy method of early detection is achieved by a simple self-examination; any change in the normal morphology of the breast should therefore be reported to the doctor. Changes to look for include:
1. A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the under arm
2. A change in the size or shape of the breast
3. Dimpling in the skin of the breast
4. A nipple turned inward into the breast
5. Discharge from the nipple.

Often these symptoms are not due to cancer but if noticed tell your health care provider immediately so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated early.

Self-examination is best carried out by exposing the bare chest in front of a mirror to have a clear view of the shape and size of the breast. The right hand is then use to palpate the left breast and under arm for any lump, and the right breast with the left hand in the same fashion.

STAY INFORMED!!!

Mynd44 Lalasticlala This is fp worthy.