It’s October, the breast cancer awareness month and there has been a lot of initiatives and public campaigns to create awareness of this killer disease.

NO BRA DAY

Facebook female users were at it last week with the usual game that requires ladies to make an update with a name of a fruit that best describes their relationship status, or make an update by mentioning the name of the colour of bra they were wearing. The aim of the games is to keep other users, especially men, curious as to the peculiar updates hence creating the awareness of breast cancer.

Yesterday another initiative was also launched (‘No Bra Day’) in support of breast cancer awareness. The day required ladies to not wear a bra for 24 hours. Men could also show their support by wearing something pink e.g. a tie, shirt etc.

HOW BREAST CANCER STARTS

Breast cancer develops from breast cells and it usually starts off in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. A malignant tumor can spread to other parts of the body. A breast cancer that started off in the lobules is known as lobular carcinoma, while one that developed from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma.

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION

Even though genes are said to play a role in breast cancer, doctors believe that maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent approximately 25 percent of all cases.  Only about five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are reported to be hereditary.

Staying at a healthy weight, being physically active, and limiting how much alcohol you drink can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Doctors also advise regular screening which can detect breast cancer early which makes it possible for the cancer to be cured through treatment.

SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER

• Swelling or painless lumps in breast tissue, often towards the nipple;
• Swelling underneath armpits;
• Inverted nipples that are tender and producing discharge and thickening of the skin.

Women have been advised to do monthly self breast examinations and not to wait until October to think about their treasured assets as far as cancer concerned.