Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October/Tikimt is Breast cancer awareness month. We would like you, members of our community, to use this time to think of all the women around you and urge them to get screened. Breast cancer is one of the commonest type of cancers in women and it remains the top cause for cancer related death among women. The risk that comes with breast cancer increases when the stage of the illness is advanced, so it’s very important to conduct regular screening and diagnose the disease in its earliest stage.

Our understanding of the illness has increased over the past decades, and we now know that the risk of breast cancer is 100 times more common in women as compared to men. The risk also increases with older age. Women who carry known gene mutations that predispose to breast cancer or those with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the illness. In some cases, some non-cancerous breast lesions and dense breast tissue are associated with breast cancer.

But in many cases, we can decrease the chances of developing the illness by avoiding certain risk factors. Consuming alcohol, smoking and being overweight, especially after menopause, increases the risk of developing breast cancer. On the other hand, breast feeding, weight loss, engaging in physical activity and low dietary fat intake have been shown to be protective against breast cancer.

But all these lifestyle modalities need to be paired with a vigilant breast screening. In the picture below you will see how you can look for changes in your breast and on the right you can see what these changes look like. If you notice any abnormality such as a lump, skin or other nipple changes please consult your doctor.

Even though self-breast examination might be helpful, please ask your doctor about the right time when to start professional screening.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Hemen MCH has prepared a dedicated breast cancer screening line of service, as well as a 50% discount on mammograms. Please inquire at the front desk and they will direct you.