Oct. 1 marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the month to rock the pink ribbons and support all those who were diagnosed. This is a month for supportive events, remembrance, positivity and hope. Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded in 1985 between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries.
What is it?
Breast cancer occurs when a group of cancer cells forms in the breast. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation located in Addison, Texas, cells that make up tissue can respond in a negative way when regrowing. New cells form when the body doesn't need them, and this build-up of cells often can be diagnosed as a tumor, lump, or growth.
Self-check
It is important to check your breasts regularly for anything peculiar - bumps, lumps, discoloration, or anything unusual. If something is found, then your health care physician can provide you with a check up and answers. John Hopkins Medical Center says, “Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”
How is it diagnosed?
There are various different ways to detect breast cancer. First is by a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast, allowing doctors to determine if the breast tissue has any suspicious areas. An ultra sound allows doctors to scan the breasts in a manner that does not affect or damage the tissue. An MRI, which scans tissue, or a biopsy, which removes fluid from breast tissue, can determine if cells from the breast are cancerous.
What happens next?
The NBCF shares ways to prevent the risk of breast cancer on their website, including maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, not smoking, and limiting your consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Cures
Cures include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Your chosen doctor can decide which is the best method for you and your body.
Facts and statistics
According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes in the United States alone. The NBCF provides an early detection plan, educational resources, support, blogs, and even fundraisers for women in need. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the most common cancer among women. Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and it will take the lives of over 40,000, according to NBCF.
Local NJ October events
The Susan G. Komen foundation is holding a Race for the Cure on Sunday, May 1, 2016 in West Orange, N.J. for anyone who would like to take part in finding a cure, support the cause, and help fundraise. On Saturday, Oct. 17, Athleta in Westfield there will be a "Shop for a Cause" event where proceeds from the sales will go directly toward Susan G. Komen North Jersey; this is to help raise awareness that early detection saves lives. Throughout the month of October, car dealerships such as Audi Bridgewater and Nissan World of Springfield will be holding a "Cruising for a Cure," where the dealerships will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen North Jersey Affiliate for every new Facebook Page Like they receive throughout the entire month of October. More events for the month of October can be found here: http://komennorthjersey.org/north-jersey-events/.
Foundations
Susan G. Komen Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation, American Breast Cancer Foundation and Avon Breast Cancer Foundation are a few non-profit foundations that work to support breast cancer. According to sheknows.com, there is a list of retailers/ sports teams that support breast cancer.
Show your support
The ever-so-popular Lokai bracelets, which are made from water from Mount Everest and the mud of the Dead Sea, are now made in a pink Lokai bracelet for Breast Cancer Awareness month. The $18 bracelet was made to support research to help further Komen's mission to save lives and end breast cancer forever. For every dollar spent, Lokai will donate proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation until Oct. 31, 2015. However you show your support, whether it be with a pin, bumper sticker, shirt, or donation, each foundation is geared to providing support and putting an end to breast cancer, to save the ladies of the world.
