Breast Cancer Awareness

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we unite under the powerful theme, "No one should face breast cancer alone."

Breast cancer continues to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.

This alarming fact is a reminder that love, support, and understanding are important to share with those fighting this battle.

Still, this month also serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection in saving lives.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check with a doctor about any concerns you may have and encourage others to do the same.

Let us work together to be advocates, friends, and caregivers, ensuring that no one feels forgotten or is lost to this disease.

By standing together, we send a message of hope and resilience to those who need it most.

Breast cancer is a fight we all share, and together, we can create a community of strength and solidarity for those impacted by this disease.

Did You Know? 1 in 8 Women will Develop Breast Cancer in Her Lifetime

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors.

If left untreated, these tumors can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), leading to life-threatening consequences.

Breast cancer typically starts within the milk ducts or lobules, the areas responsible for producing milk.

The earliest stage, known as "in situ," is not life-threatening and can often be detected and treated early.

However, if cancer cells invade nearby breast tissue, they can form tumors that may cause noticeable lumps or thickening.

Based on projections from the United States, it is suggested that approximately one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime.

On a global scale, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, resulting in 670,000 deaths worldwide.

In Belize, the situation is similarly alarming as breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the country.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory Report (2022), there were 85 cases of breast cancer, making it the cancer type with the highest incidence rate among women in Belize, followed by cervical and colorectal.

Additionally, the report noted that breast cancer resulted in 21 deaths in 2022, making it the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Belize.

These statistics and figures highlight the urgent need for all women to prioritize their health.

Therefore, throughout the month of October, I will be sharing vital information that everyone needs to know about breast cancer.

In doing so, I hope to foster awareness and understanding of the importance of regular screening and early detection in saving lives.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a complex disease that is influenced by various risk factors.

While some of these factors are beyond our control, others can be managed with lifestyle changes.

Here’s a quick overview:

1. Gender: Women are at higher risk, though men can develop breast cancer, too.

2. Age: The risk increases with age, particularly after 50.

3. Family History & Genetics: A family history of breast cancer, especially mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, significantly raises risk.

4. Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before 12) or late menopause (after 55) can increase the risk. Also, Long-term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can increase the risk of breast cancer.

5. Reproductive History: Not having children or having the first child after age 30 may increase risk.

6. Lifestyle: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity are risk factors that can be changed.

While having or not having these risk factors can not precisely determine if a person will or will not develop breast cancer, regular screenings and staying informed are key to early detection, prevention, and saving lives.

Get to Know the Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer isn't just about finding a lump—there are 12 key symptoms to look out for. These include:

1. Lump: A hard, immovable lump deep in the breast that can be any size or shape.

2. Thick Area: A persistent, dense area different from the rest of the breast that usually doesn’t go away or gets worse over time.

3. Dimple: An indentation in the skin that doesn’t fade or go away.

4. Nipple Crust: A scab-like crust on the nipple, often red or white that doesn’t heal or go away.

5. Red or Hot: Swelling, redness, or warmth in the breast that doesn’t improve with treatment.

6. New Fluid: Unexplained nipple discharge, especially when it is clear or bloody.

7. Skin Sores: In the advanced stages of the disease, breast cancer can cause open wounds on the breast, accompanied by an obvious lump.

8. Bump: A lump on the surface of the breast, which may be benign or cancerous.

9. Growing Vein: Enlarged veins are a rare symptom of breast cancer, but can sometimes indicate breast cancer when the vein becomes more pronounced and is near the collarbone.

10. Sunken Nipple: A nipple that suddenly sinks or flattens.

11. New Shape or Size: Unexpected changes in breast shape or size that is not connected to your menstrual cycle.

12. "Orange Peel" Skin: Dimpled skin resembling an orange peel, often linked to inflammation.

While many of these symptoms can point to a harmless, benign condition, knowing the signs and symptoms can help you to detect breast cancer early.

By practicing self-awareness and checking with a doctor about any concerns you may have, you can be empowered to manage breast cancer risks and take charge of your health before it’s too late.

How to Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we’re here to help you take steps toward prevention. While not all risk factors are controllable, there are several things all women can do to lower their risk of developing breast cancer.

Here are five important tips, backed by research:

Eating a healthy and balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall health and may even lower cancer risks (American Cancer Society, 2021). Antioxidants in nutritious foods can help protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer.

If You Smoke, Quit. Smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer (CDC, 2023). The substances found in tobacco smoke can harm or alter the DNA of a cell and when this happens, a cell might start to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a cancerous tumor.

Even small amounts of alcohol increase your risk for breast cancer, therefore, limiting or avoiding alcohol is another proactive step. For women who drink alcohol, it is recommended to limit intake to no more than one alcoholic beverage per day (American Cancer Society, 2021).

Research also shows that moderate to vigorous physical activity lowers breast cancer risk, making regular exercise vital. The American Cancer Society recommends adults engage in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity each week, ideally spread out over the week.

Finally, maintaining a healthy weight is another crucial step in reducing the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. This is because women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of many cancers and other health conditions (Susan G. Komen, 2024)

Still, while there’s no sure way to prevent breast cancer, it's always beneficial to embrace a healthy way of living.

Engaging in physical activity, following a nutritious diet, and making other healthy choices can bring both physical and mental rewards at any stage of life.

So, together, let’s make our health a priority today!

Sources:

American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. American Cancer Society, 2021, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention.html.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breast Cancer. CDC, 2023, https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/.

Global Cancer Observatory. Cancer Fact Sheets: Belize. World Health Organization, 2022, gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/populations/84-belize-fact-sheets.pdf.

Susan G. Komen Foundation. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Susan G. Komen, 2024, https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/.

World Health Organization. Breast Cancer. WHO, 2022, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer.